Kisii County joined the global community in commemorating International Epilepsy Day, with key stakeholders emphasizing the need to combat stigma and improve access to treatment for epilepsy patients. The event, held at the Kisii Cultural Hall, was attended by health officials, advocacy groups, and members of the community.
Dr. David Okinyi, the County Cancers and Non-Communicable Diseases Coordinator for Kisii County and Chair of the Non-Communicable Caucus in Kenya, led the event. He underscored the importance of raising awareness and encouraging families to bring epilepsy patients out of hiding.
“We want to tell our community to stop hiding their loved ones who have epilepsy. There is treatment available, and we can manage the condition effectively so that patients can lead comfortable and productive lives,” Dr. Okinyi stated.
Despite managing between 1,000 and 2,000 epilepsy cases annually at the Kisii County Referral Hospital, Dr. Okinyi noted that these figures do not reflect the actual burden of the disease. Many patients remain hidden due to stigma and misconceptions.
“We have a large number of patients who are not accounted for because of cultural beliefs and fear of discrimination,” he explained. “We need to change this narrative and encourage families to seek medical help.”
To improve accessibility, Kisii County has established 10 outpatient medical clinics dedicated to non-communicable diseases, including epilepsy. These facilities, located in Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, Gucha, Nyamache, Nduru, Kenyanya, Iranda, Marani, Yasusu, Keumbu, and Iyabe sub-county referral hospitals, provide specialized care without requiring patients to travel long distances.
“A patient should not have to travel from Nduru to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital for the same service,” Dr. Okinyi emphasized. “These centers reduce the cost burden on patients by bringing services closer to them.”
The event also sought to dispel myths that have contributed to stigma and mistreatment of epilepsy patients. Dr. Okinyi denounced traditional beliefs that epilepsy is caused by witchcraft or supernatural forces, noting that it is a medical condition with identifiable causes such as infections, trauma, tumors, and complications from hypertension.
“Epilepsy is a disease like any other, and it can be managed with proper treatment. We urge the community to seek medical attention and stop isolating affected individuals,” he said.
The event featured the premiere of a documentary on epilepsy, produced over the past year and showcased at 17 international film festivals. The film highlights personal stories, challenges faced by epilepsy patients, and efforts to reduce stigma.
The CEO of the Kenya Association for the Welfare of People with Epilepsy (KAWE), Patrick Ngetu reaffirmed the commitment to nationwide awareness campaigns. “The biggest problem we face is stigma. We need to change perceptions and ensure people understand that epilepsy is treatable,” he stated.
KAWE operates four clinics in Nairobi, serving approximately 25,000 epilepsy patients. The organization also supports 29 affiliate clinics across Kenya, including in Malindi District Hospital, and hopes to establish additional centers in Kisii County.
“In Kenya, we have about one million people living with epilepsy. Statistics show that 17 out of every 1,000 people have epilepsy, a figure significantly higher than in developed nations, where the prevalence is about 9 to 10 per 1,000,” Ngetu highlighted.
The local leadership, including chiefs and village elders, have played a crucial role in identifying and assisting epilepsy patients. Reports of people being tied up at home due to stigma were particularly concerning, prompting calls for stronger advocacy and medical outreach.
“We are grateful for the cooperation we have received from the Kisii County Government. Over the past year, we have conducted awareness campaigns and training sessions for healthcare workers and community leaders,” Ngetu noted.
The stakeholders urged the national and county governments to invest in epilepsy care by expanding specialized treatment centers, training more healthcare providers, and enhancing public education.
“We need well-wishers and people of goodwill to support the expansion of epilepsy clinics so that patients can receive care within their local communities without having to travel to Nairobi,” Ngetu appealed.
By Misheba Alfred