5th Epilepsy Alliance Africa Conference (EAAC5)
Session 2: Regional Interventions
Good morning, distinguished colleagues, partners, and friends.
It is my great honor and privilege to welcome you all to the second day of the 5th Epilepsy Alliance Africa Conference. I am humbled to open Session 2 on Regional Interventions, where we will reflect on some of the most pressing realities facing epilepsy care across Africa.
My name is Mr. Bryan Tabani, Chief Clinician at the Kenya Association for the Welfare of People with Epilepsy (KAWE). I am stepping in on behalf of Dr. Osman Miyanji, who, unfortunately, could not be with us today.
About KAWE
Please allow me to take a moment to introduce Dr. Osman Miyanji, the Chairman of the KAWE Board of Directors and among the Founding Directors (Medical Advisor). KAWE is among the oldest and largest epilepsy organisations in Africa. Our health services in Nairobi have registered about 25,000 patients, with many more receiving care through our satellite clinics across Kenya.
Furthermore, KAWE and Dr. Miyanji were among the earliest supporters when the idea of establishing the Epilepsy African Alliance was first proposed by Dr. Jacob Mugumbate and other like-minded African epilepsy advocates. It is truly inspiring to witness the growth and success of the Epilepsy African Alliance today.
KAWE is a 43-year-old national non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by people with epilepsy in Kenya. We do this through a community-driven and holistic approach across four key areas:
1. Advocacy, Partnerships, and Influencing –Engaging policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to champion the rights of people with epilepsy, including access to healthcare, education, employment, and social inclusion.
2. Knowledge Management – Conducting outreach programs, workshops, and awareness campaigns to dispel myths, fight stigma, and strengthen understanding of epilepsy. This includes community sensitization, stigma benches, and training for primary healthcare workers to improve diagnosis and care.
3. Healthcare Programs – partnered with county health departments, faith-based organizations, and community-based organizations to ensure affordable diagnosis, treatment, and psychosocial support. We currently support 29 affiliate clinics.
4. Research and Development – advocating for increased investment in research, better data systems, and innovation to bridge the current knowledge gaps. Recent findings from Kenya’s Mental Health Investment Case highlight epilepsy’s economic burden and the urgent need for scaling up cost-effective interventions.
The Broader Picture
The theme of this conference – “Uniting Voices for Epilepsy: Advocacy, Innovation and Impact” – is a reminder that our strength lies in collaboration.
Epilepsy is not just a medical condition. It is a social, cultural, and economic challenge. Across Africa, millions of people with epilepsy still face stigma, treatment gaps, and barriers to inclusion. Yet, with the right interventions, we can transform lives, strengthen health systems, and advance the Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) on epilepsy and neurological disorders.
Looking Ahead
Today’s session will showcase the role of community health workers, the impact of stigma, the African Disability Protocol, and the challenges of medication availability in our region. These are not just clinical issues – they are matters of dignity, equity, and human rights.
As we listen to these presentations, let us remember that every action we take – whether in research, advocacy, or policy – brings us closer to a continent where epilepsy is understood, supported, and treated without stigma.
I warmly thank our speakers for their dedication and expertise. I invite all of us to engage actively, share experiences, and explore practical, sustainable solutions for Africa.
With that, I officially open Session 2: Regional Interventions.
Thank you.
