The walk serves to raise awareness of the prevalence and impact of using treatment to manage seizure attacks.
While many are aware that epilepsy is a medical condition that requires specialised care by health practitioners, there are those who, unfortunately, have other ideas about the condition and often deny their children medical care.
These individuals usually associate the medical condition with witchcraft and demonic attacks, and choose to seek assistance from traditional doctors rather than taking the child/adult for proper diagnosis.
Speaking at the YEB Purple Walk, deputy secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Morrison Sinvula, explained that epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal. He said the abnormality causes seizures or periods of unusual behaviour, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness.
He further explained that while there are no statistics on people living with epilepsy in Botswana, on average, 56 individuals die of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). The deaths alone prove that medical intervention is indeed a need for the serious condition and has to be treated as such.
Sinvula further explained: “I want the public to do away with myths associated with epilepsy. They should know that it is neither witchcraft, demonic, nor is it infectious and contagious. It is important to know how to help a person living with epilepsy, especially when they have a seizure because it can save a life. Let's stop discrimination against epilepsy.”
YEB and other NGOs, which work hard towards raising awareness about epilepsy should be commended because through their campaigns they can educate the masses and help save lives.
A parent whose child died from epilepsy also took the time to join YEB and give a word of encouragement to people living with epilepsy. She advised people living with epilepsy to religiously take their medication.
The condition as captured by many speakers at the event is a medical one and if properly managed people leaving with epilepsy can manage seizures and lead a normal healthy lifestyle. Perhaps it's high time to have pamphlets in schools which sensitise students/pupils about the condition as well as give pointers on how to assist a person having seizures.
Medication adherence is not only important for people living with epilepsy, but it is also important for all those living with any kind of medical condition. The community should join hands with medical practitioners to ensure that important information on such conditions is disseminated and reaches the ears of those who can benefit the most.
