WHAT IS ZEBRA STRIPES WEEK? - Muungano waKifafa Afrika

Zebra Stripes Week 2025 will be held under the theme From Voices to Action: Recognising the Works of Grassroots Organisations, with the goal of advancing African progress towards the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders 2022–2031.

#EpilepsyWeek #StripesWeek #Epilepsy #Kifafa

The Epilepsy Alliance Africa (EAA) is an Africa-wide alliance of epilepsy associations that was formed in December 2019. The EAA and its members have been doing different awareness activities but realized there was no single epilepsy awareness event that resonated with the African situation. As such, we agreed to dedicate a whole week each year to epilepsy awareness. The 3^rd week of September each year was agreed.

We searched for a common colour, and common animal on the continent that could help us send a strong message. We found the zebra and its colours very attractive. Zebra stripes represent belonging, oneness, strengths, shining and visibility. That is why they have been selected to represent epilepsy week. In Africa, where the epilepsy week idea originated from, zebras are well known and liked.

There are many suggestions of what can be done by individuals, families, communities, organisations, schools, workplaces and government during epilepsy week: Wear or use zebra stripes during the Epilepsy Week, e.g. a hat, scarf, headcover, shirt, dress, blouse, trousers, bag, belt, t-shirt and tie or cushion or hair. Arrange an awareness event face to face or online. Share information by word of mouth or social media. Tell your story or family’s story with epilepsy. Listen to a story of someone with epilepsy. Change the status or profile picture for your social media pages.

Why is Epilepsy Week necessary? Because the burden of epilepsy is still huge in Africa, and globally. We are cognisant and worried that of the estimated 10 million people with epilepsy in Africa:

The knowledge gap or misunderstanding of epilepsy stands at about 70%, meaning only about 30% view epilepsy as a neurological disorder that can be managed medically or surgically. Most people think epilepsy is contagious or infectious, yet it is not.
Only about 25% (2.5 million) are on medical treatment, giving a treatment gap of 75% (7.5 million).
Out of those 2,5 million who are on medical treatment, we estimate that only about 25% (625 000) have access to medicines and
Only 5% (125 000) have access to specialist treatment.
About 25% of epilepsies are easily preventable.

Theme 2025: From Voices to Action – Recognising the Works of Grassroots Organisations

Theme 2024: Empowering Caregivers: A Journey of Giving, Receiving and Valuing Care

Theme 2023: Making epilepsy visible

Theme 2022: More voices. More awareness

Theme 2021: Share a story. Listen to a story

Contacts and social media pages

Email: epilepsyallianceafrica@gmail.com Website: www.epilepsyalliance.africasocialwork.net

Facebook: Epilepsy Alliance Africa

https://www.facebook.com/Epilepsy-Alliance-Africa-105086551211552

Instagram: epilepsyallianceafric

YouTube: Epilepsy Alliance Africa EAA

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRZOkz_8OKLY2eWpUSfSJqg