The Epilepsy Support Association of Uganda (ESAU) is observing Stripes Week. In the picture, spreaders of awareness are seen wearing white shirts with zebra stripes. the theme for this year is Making epilepsy visible.
We are having an epilepsy camp in Uganda to commemorate the Stripes week.
Sarah Nekesa, ESAU Executive Director
What is the easiest thing you could do during the week?
Wear or use zebra colours. Anything with stripes or zebra colours. A hat, scarf, headcover, shirt, dress, blouse, trousers, bag, belt, t-shirt and tie or cushion or hair.
Theme for 2023
Making epilepsy visible
Why this event?
The event is organised to accelerate epilepsy awareness.
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 3rd 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 familyโs 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.
Through the Epilepsy Week, we hope to share stories and experiences of living with epilepsy, encourage people to listen or read the stories, and think about how we could all work together, because Together we will defeat Epilepsy!
