The 5th Annual Conference of the Epilepsy Alliance Africa (EAA) will be held online via Zoom on 17–18 September 2025, as part of Zebra Epilepsy Stripes Week (15–19 September 2025). This Africa-led awareness initiative unites epilepsy advocates, health professionals, policymakers, researchers, carers, and persons with lived experience from across the continent and the world.
Theme: “Uniting Voices for Epilepsy: Advocacy, Innovation and Impact”, the conference also works towards reaching the African targets of the Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) on Epilepsy and other Neurological Disorders.
Conference Dates and Times
- 17 September 2025: 8:00–10:00 AM Morocco/West Africa Time (2 hours)
- 18 September 2025: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM Morocco/West Africa Time (4 hours)
- Time zones: 8 AM WAT | 9 AM CAT | 10 AM EAT
Online via Zoom
Registration: epilepsyalliance.africasocialwork.net/conference
Additional information: www.ilae.org/congresses/5th-epilepsy-alliance-africa-conference
Day 1: 17 September 2025
Opening Session (8:00–9:00 AM)
Chair: Dr Rugare Mugumbate, Zimbabwe
- Prof. Najib Kissani (Morocco) – President, Epilepsy Alliance Africa (EAA)
- Mr Banard Mbuya Onyango (Kenya) – Vice President, EAA; Founder, Banard Epilepsy Awareness Foundation Kenya
- Mr Youssouf Noormamode (Mauritius) – IBE Africa Region Chairperson, Founder EDYCS Epilepsy Group, International Vice President IBE Africa Region
- Prof. Alla Guekht (Russia) – President, International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), Director, Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry
Theme: Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders
Session 1: Community Voices (9:00–10:00 AM)
Chair: Prof. Najib Kissani, Morocco
- Mr Habimana Jean Leon (Rwanda): The Role of Epilepsy Advocacy in Transforming Lives of People with Epilepsy in Rural Communities
- Prof. Athanase Millogo (Burkina Faso): Professional’s Role in Africa
- Prof. Arif Herekar (Pakistan): Keynote Address – Chairman and Head of Neurosciences, Baqai Medical University, Pakistan
- Ms Vallent Adhiambo (Kenya): Advocacy Work of Grassroots Associations: the Case of GENO, Kenya
Day 2: 18 September 2025
Session 2: Regional Interventions (8:00–9:00 AM)
Chairs: Ms Sarah Nekesa (Uganda) and Dr Mahdaoui Mohamed (Morocco)
- Dr Osman Miyanji (Kenya, KAWE): Opening Remarks
- Dr Bertha Chioma Ekeh (Nigeria/Gambia): Role of Community Health Workers in Epilepsy Care
- Dr Daniel Gams Massi (Cameroon): Factors Associated with the Stigmatisation of People with Epilepsy
- Mr Symon Munde (Malawi): The African Disability Protocol during the Conference
- Dr Michel Arnaud Saphou-Damon (Gabon): Medication Availability for People with Epilepsy in West Africa and Impact on Seizure Management
Session 3: Regional Interventions (9:00–10:00 AM)
Chair: Ms Chantal Kanyabutembo, Rwanda
- Prof. Chahnez Charfi Triki (Tunisia): Training Epilepsy Trainers Among Primary School Teachers
- Prof. G.Q. Kandawasvika (Zimbabwe): Paediatric Epilepsy Care in Zimbabwe: Overcoming Barriers, Enhancing Access
- Ms Nyaradzai Gomwe (Zimbabwe): Epilepsy and Cognition: Understanding the Neuropsychological Implications
- Prof. Angelina Kakooza (Uganda): Prevention of Common Neurological Conditions Across the Life Span
Session 4: Global Perspectives (10:00–11:00 AM)
Chairs: Ms Epillose Musimbi (Kenya) and Ms Enat Yewnetu (Ethiopia)
- Dr Chanda Kulkarni (India): Epilepsy as a Prototype Model to Educate Healthcare Professionals at the Grassroots Level
- Prof. Maria Emilia Cosenza Andraus (Brazil): Continuing Medical Education in Epilepsy and EEG – Improving Diagnosis in Resource-Limited Settings
- Prof. Jo Wilmshurst (South Africa): Transition of Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)
- Prof. Arjune Sen (United Kingdom): Introducing the Centre for Global Epilepsy
Session 5: Reflections & Closing (11:00 AM–12:00 PM)
Chairs: Mr Bankole M. Olusola and Mr Taurai Kadzviti (Zimbabwe)
- Ms Afnane Massou (Morocco)
- Ms Betty Barbara Nsachilwa (Zambia)
- Reflections by EAA Vice-Presidents:
- Samuel Chigamba (Southern Africa)
- Adam Jannah (West Africa)
- Michel Arnaud Saphou-Damon (Central Africa)
- Dr Mahdaoui Mohamed (North Africa)
- Closing Remarks: Prof. Najib Kissani (Morocco)
Don’t Miss This Opportunity
This important conference offers a platform to exchange knowledge, amplify advocacy, reduce stigma, and advance epilepsy care in Africa and globally. By bringing together African voices and global experts, it strengthens collaboration and contributes towards achieving IGAP targets.
Registration: epilepsyalliance.africasocialwork.net/conference
