The second day of the 5th Epilepsy Alliance Africa Conference focused on regional interventions, stigma reduction, medication availability, inter-regional collaboration, neuropsychological challenges, and education and training initiatives. Speakers from across Africa and beyond shared experiences on community health approaches, disability rights, epilepsy education, and transition of care between paediatric and adult systems. The day closed with reflections and closing remarks from Epilepsy Alliance Africa leaders, celebrating achievements and outlining future plans.
Session 2: Regional Interventions (8–9am)
Chaired by Dr Mahdaoui Mohamed (North Africa VP) and Sarah Nekesa (Uganda).
- Bryan Tabani (Kenya) delivered opening remarks on behalf of Dr Osman Miyanji (Kenya), highlighting KAWE’s work in community-driven epilepsy care.
- Professor Arif Herekar (Pakistan) then delivered a keynote address on collaboration between Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of inter-regional cooperation for sustainable development. He discussed key concepts, frameworks, and strategies for enhancing collaboration, including stakeholder engagement, policy-making, and the measurement of impact through Key Performance Indicators.
- Mr. Youssouf Noormamode (Mauritius) who is IBE Africa Region Chairperson delivered an opening address on epilepsy in Africa, highlighting the urgent need for IGAP implementation to address the significant treatment gap exceeding 75% in many regions. He emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration with government, civil society organizations, and people living with epilepsy to transform epilepsy care in Africa.
- Dr Bertha Chioma Ekeh (Nigeria/Gambia): Explained the role of community health workers in rural areas, emphasising health education, treatment adherence, and stigma reduction.
- Dr Daniel Gams Massi (Cameroon): Delivered via pre-recorded slides, analysing cultural and social contributors to stigma and recommending school-based interventions, policy advocacy, and improved healthcare access.
- Mr Simon Munde (Malawi): Presented on the African Disability Protocol, stressing recognition of epilepsy as a disability and protections for affected people and families.
- Dr Michel Arnaud Saphou-Damon (Gabon): Spoke on epilepsy medication availability in West Africa, noting that only 20% of patients have reliable access. He proposed policy change, partnerships, education, and telemedicine as solutions.
Session 3: Regional Interventions (9–10am)
Chaired by Prof. Najib Kissani (Morocco).
- Prof. Chahnez Charfi Triki (Tunisia): Shared a teacher training initiative to reduce stigma in schools, where teachers developed educational materials and peer networks.
- Prof. G. Q. Kandawasvika (Zimbabwe): Presented on paediatric epilepsy care, highlighting resource challenges and calling for strengthened primary healthcare and access to diagnosis.
- Ms Nyaradzai Gomwe (Zimbabwe): Examined the neuropsychological implications of epilepsy, emphasising cognitive and emotional care alongside seizure control.
- Prof. Angelina Kakooza (Uganda): Her slides were presented by Dr Rugare Mugumbate, covering prevention of common neurological conditions across the lifespan.
Session 4: Global Perspectives (10–11am)
Co-chaired by Epillose Musimbi (Kenya) and Enat Yewnetu (Ethiopia).
- Dr Chanda Kulkarni (India): Presented epilepsy as a prototype model for educating healthcare professionals at the grassroots, using innovative training methods including animal seizure models and community awareness programmes.
- Prof. Maria Emilia Cosenza Andraus (Brazil): Discussed continuing medical education in epilepsy and EEG, citing a collaborative project in the Democratic Republic of Congo with Oxford University that installed six EEG machines and trained doctors remotely.
- Prof. Jo Wilmshurst (South Africa): Delivered through a pre-recorded presentation, focusing on transition of care in LMICs and the need for early preparation and coordination between paediatric and adult services.
- Prof. Arjune Sen (United Kingdom): Introduced the Centre for Global Epilepsy, dedicated to building capacity and advancing equity in epilepsy care worldwide.
Session 5: Reflections & Closing (11am–12pm)
Chaired by Dr Rugare Mugumbate (Zimbabwe).
- Ms Afnane Massou (Morocco): Spoke on student-led health education, including awareness campaigns and first aid training.
- Ms Betty Barbara Nsachilwa (Zambia): Delivered via pre-recorded slides, reflecting on empowering epilepsy organisations in Africa, noting barriers like stigma and funding shortages but highlighting community-based services and partnerships as enablers.
- EAA Vice-Presidents – Samuel Chigamba (Southern Africa), Adam Janneh (West Africa), Michel Arnaud Saphou-Damon (Central Africa), and Dr Mahdaoui Mohamed (North Africa) – joined Dr Najib Kissani (Morocco) to give closing reflections. They celebrated six years of EAA’s work and announced upcoming initiatives, including Brain Week in February 2026 and the next EAA conference in September 2026.
Invitation to EAAC6
We warmly invite you to the 6th Epilepsy Alliance Africa Conference (EAAC6), which will take place on 16–17 September 2026. Building on the successes of EAAC5, the next conference will continue to unite voices for epilepsy advocacy, innovation, and impact across Africa and globally.
2 thoughts on “Day 2 Report – Epilepsy Alliance Africa Conference 2025”
Comments are closed.
The EAAC5, day two – 18th September, had a packed scientific schedule with much more information and larger numbers of delegate participation from senior executives to young scientists. The key stakeholders across various regions in Africa, presented the ongoing activities and progress made related to epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Keeping in mind the theme of EAAC5, the speakers laid focus primarily on ‘stigma reduction and education’ and emphasised the need to identify solutions to overcome the challenges faced both by persons with epilepsy [PWE]and their care takers including chronic neurological disorders – Parkinsonism, Alzheimer’s etc. across the age groups.
The opening remarks and keynote address were aimed at & highlighted urgent need for IGAP implementation through collaborative approach and efficient networking. The issues such as treatment gap due to inadequate availability and access to anti-seizure medications, as well as the optimal support system for persons with epilepsy were discussed and recommendations to meet these challenges through appropriate interventions were presented. The unmet needs of PWE through educational interventions, policy change/s and use of telemedicine and other digital tools was stressed.
The availability of conventional simple educational awareness tools to be exploited, restructured and evolved to cover various aspects about epilepsy for health care professionals at the ‘grass root’ level was presented from Indian perspective. The experiences with integrated and multidisciplinary approach, computer assisted teaching/learning modules, CMEs, Seminars etc. to educate along with promoting research & the community educational awareness programs was shared and the impact of these was presented.
The presentations from various regions across AFRICA and the way forward to achieve objectives including initiative to set up a ‘global centre for epilepsy’ to widen the scope for the said objectives were the hall mark of take-home messages.
Closing remarks from President – Prof. Najib and Secretary General, Epilepsy Alliance Africa – Mr. Jacob Rugare, summarised and emphasised need for collective efforts to align with the EAAC5 theme -“Uniting Voices for Epilepsy” through – Advocacy, Innovation and Working towards targets to improve life of PWE and other neurological disorders under the Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) will continue ………!
Dr Chanda
Thank you very much Doctor for your detailed report. We appreciate your feedback