NGO calls for awareness on epilepsy in South Sudan

The Initiative for Epilepsy Awareness-South Sudan (IFEA) on Monday raised awareness on the rights of individuals living with epilepsy in the country during celebration of the international Day for Epilepsy.

By Papa Goch Biar Mawien

 The Initiative for Epilepsy Awareness-South Sudan (IFEA) on Monday raised awareness on the rights of individuals living with epilepsy in the country during celebration of the international Day for Epilepsy.

The Chief Executive Officer of IFEA Kur Ezekiel said that majority of South Sudanese with epilepsy are still unaware of  health services  available in the main referral hospital, Juba Teaching Hospital.

“I want to assure you today that there are services for epilepsy treatment, if you have epilepsy or you are a relative of person living with epilepsy you come to Juba Teaching Hospital to get specialized treatment,” Ezekiel said during celebrations held in Juba.

He said that epilepsy affects people of all ages and gender.

Jacopo M. Rovarini, Public Health Specialist with AMREF Health Africa said that both communities and health workers have a role to spread awareness about epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a common condition that affects the brain and causes frequent seizures. Seizures are bursts of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affect how it works. They can cause a wide range of symptoms. Epilepsy can start at any age, but usually starts either in childhood or in people over 60.

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