The Epilepsy Alliance Africa (EAA)

There is an African proverb that says

If you want to go fast go alone if you want to go far go together

Together, WE CAN GO FAR.

It is with great pleasure that we introduce you to Epilepsy Alliance Africa (EAA). EAA was formed to bring together all partners fighting seizures and stigma on the African continent.

Purpose

The EAA is a pan-African alliance of individuals, families, institutions, organisations, and groups interested in preventing and addressing challenges caused by epilepsy on the African continent.

Objectives and activities

  1. Engage the African Union (AU), regional and sub-regional organisations with a view to improve epilepsy policies and programs.
  2. Engage in conversation and dialogue with governments in regard to epilepsy matters and assist members with skills to advocate their governments for improved epilepsy policies and services.
  3. Become a reference group for epilepsy issues on the continent.
  4. Engage international partners interested in epilepsy.
  5. Become a leading voice for epilepsy on the continent.
  6. Develop training programs to capacitate alliance members.
  7. Initiate regular meetings online or face-to-face.
  8. Mobilise resources.
  9. Promote meetings, seminars, symposia, webinars and conferences at local, national and regional level.

Values

  1. Unity of purpose across all the sub-regions of the continent.
  2. No separation of programs for persons with epilepsy, medical and social professionals.
  3. Homegrown solutions.
  4. Independence.
  5. Inclusion and participation.
  6. Effective and sustainable partnerships.

Our main services

  1. Tele-health: Free weekly clinic available to people with epilepsy from any African country 
  2. Tele-education and training: Webinars for professionals, advocates and people with epilepsy. This includes nurse training.
  3. Research, documentation and information on epilepsy: We promote, support, carry out research and publish on epilepsy related topics. We coordinate the Global South Epilepsy Research Group (GSERG).
  4. Advocacy and policy: We advocate for improved and new policies for epilepsy on the African continent and help members achieve the same in their countries 
  5. Capacity building and coordination: We support epilepsy associations and their leaders in Africa to maximise their potential. 
  6. African Day Indaba: 25 May
  7. Conference: annual epilepsy conference in June each
  8. Awareness: annual epilepsy awareness week (Stripes Week) 3rd week of September
  9. Voice Indaba – held 2 times a year to recognise the voices of people with epilepsy and providers of care. Organised by people with epilepsy.
  10. Annual survey on the status of epilepsy in Africa

Members (‘Alliancees’)

The following shall be admitted as members upon successfully submitting an alliancee membership form:

  1. Organisations, trusts, clubs or groups, including online groups interested in epilepsy, disability and health.
  2. Associations of people with epilepsy or families of people with epilepsy.
  3. Professional associations.
  4. Institutions like government department, schools, health units, centres, clinics or facilities, research centres or universities.
  5. Partners including non-government organisations, international organisations, development organisations, corporates and funders.

Leadership structure

The Alliance shall be led by an Alliance Council composed of:

  1. President who will chair meetings and speak on behalf of the organisation.
  2. Regional Vice-Presidents representing East Africa, Southern Africa, West Africa, Central Africa and North Africa who will assist the President, mobilise members and chair meetings in their regions.
  3. Secretary General elected from any region who will lead communication.
  4. Treasurer elected from any region who will be responsible for finances.
  5. All positions shall be up for election after three years.
  6. Office bearers may seek reelection up to a maximum of two continuous terms.
  7. The Presidency shall rotate around the 5 regions.
  8. Gender, regional balance and inclusion of persons with epilepsy shall be considered in all positions.