The Kenya Association for Welfare of People with Epilepsy has intensified epilepsy awareness campaigns in Kajiado County by sensitising Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and primary healthcare workers to improve understanding, response, and management of the condition at the community level.
The initiative targets frontline health workers, who are often the first point of contact for persons living with epilepsy, with a focus on strengthening early identification of cases, timely response during seizures, and appropriate referral to health facilities.
During the sensitization exercise conducted at Il Bissil, participants were trained on recognition of epilepsy symptoms, seizure management, and first aid response and referral procedures for patients requiring specialized care.
The training is expected to improve early detection of epilepsy cases at the community level by equipping CHPs with practical skills to identify warning signs and respond appropriately during seizure incidents.
It is also expected to enhance emergency response during seizures within households and public settings, where immediate intervention is critical in preventing injuries and complications.
Speaking during the forum, Nicholas Otieno from KAWE said epilepsy remains widely misunderstood in many communities, with beliefs linking it to witchcraft and curses.
He noted that such misconceptions have contributed to stigma and delayed treatment, with some affected persons seeking help from traditional healers or religious leaders instead of health facilities.
Otieno explained that epilepsy is a neurological condition caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain and may arise from factors such as brain infections, head injuries, complications during birth, stroke, brain tumours, genetic conditions, and high fever in children.
He emphasized that the condition is manageable with proper diagnosis and consistent medication, allowing affected persons to live normal and productive lives.
Community Health Promoter Juliet Oruma said many people living with epilepsy continue to suffer silently due to stigma and misinformation within communities.
She noted that fear and misunderstanding have led some families to hide affected persons, limiting their access to medical care and social support.
Oruma stressed that epilepsy is not contagious and cannot be transmitted through contact or interaction, urging communities to support affected persons instead of isolating them.
A parent of a child living with epilepsy, Daudi Kilena, highlighted the emotional and social burden faced by families, noting that stigma often worsens the challenges associated with managing the condition.
He called for sustained public education to improve community understanding and encourage families to seek timely medical care for affected individuals.
By Rop Janet
