A call for the public to combat stigma, support people living with epilepsy

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Epilepsy Organisation has called on the public to stop discriminating against individuals living with epilepsy, emphasizing that they deserve equal rights and opportunities like everyone else in society.

The call was made today in Dar es Salaam by Suzana Mukoyi, who represented the Director of the organisation during the launch of their new project titled “Ongea, Simama Imara” (Speak Up, Stand Strong).

The initiative aims to empower caregivers of children with epilepsy by helping them understand their basic rights and address the challenges they face.

“This project is designed to bring positive change to families raising children with epilepsy. We want to ensure that every parent or guardian has adequate knowledge about the condition, is aware of their rights, and receives the necessary support,” she said.

She added that the project plans to expand nationwide in phases, beginning with Dar es Salaam. So far, the organisation has registered over 1,000 members, and public awareness of epilepsy has significantly improved compared to previous years.

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Rebecca Hudson Lebi, a member of the Tanzania Epilepsy Organisation, also urged the community and the government to ensure that people living with epilepsy are included in health insurance schemes. She pointed out that some essential medications for epilepsy patients are difficult to access under standard insurance coverage.

Additionally, Omary Vadenga and Elias Manade, who live with epilepsy, expressed their gratitude to the organisation for its significant role in improving their lives. They said that through the support of the organisation, they have gained knowledge on how to better understand and manage their challenges. They also appealed to society to treat them with dignity and give them equal opportunities like everyone else.

The project launch was accompanied by an educational seminar on epilepsy and the rights of those affected. This forms part of the organisation’s broader efforts to combat stigma and provide both social and legal support to people living with epilepsy across the country.