The 5th Epilepsy Alliance Africa Conference (EAAC5) took place online on 17–18 September 2025 as part of Zebra Epilepsy Stripes Week. The event brought together people from across Africa and beyond — health professionals, advocates, researchers, carers, and people living with epilepsy.
After the conference, participants were invited to share feedback about what worked well, what could be improved, and ideas for future events. We thank all those who responded. Here’s what was said.
What Went Well
Many participants said the conference was well coordinated, organized, and time-conscious. They appreciated how smoothly it ran, even across different time zones. The mix of personal stories and professional insights stood out — many people said they loved hearing from both medical experts and people living with epilepsy.
There was also strong appreciation for the diversity of speakers. Attendees valued having voices from across Africa and the world sharing their experiences and research. One comment noted that “enhanced community awareness programmes were a key highlight — we need to continue engaging with rural populations.”
Another participant summed it up well: “EAA in its infancy has done very well to begin with — congratulations!”
What Could Be Improved
A few areas for improvement were highlighted. The most common issue was technical — several people had trouble joining via the Zoom link. Others suggested starting sessions on time and ensuring session chairs help manage timing.
Here are some specific suggestions:
- Extend the conference to 2–3 days, with shorter daily sessions to allow more discussion.
- Standardize PowerPoint slides — for example, use readable fonts and fewer words per slide.
- Encourage speakers to pre-record their talks to avoid last-minute issues.
- Use the Zoom chat for questions to minimize interruptions.
- Train session chairs to help keep discussions on track.
Some participants also said they would like to see hybrid or in-person conferences in the future to improve networking and engagement.
Topics for Future Conferences
Participants suggested a wide range of topics for future conferences, including:
- Epilepsy surgery and advanced treatment options
- The role of community health workers in epilepsy care
- Awareness and education for students — “catch them young”
- Broader neurological issues such as asthma and pneumonia
- Strengthening advocacy and education for teachers, carers, and community leaders
Several people called for a more multidisciplinary approach that includes “all aspects of epilepsy” — from medical and social to policy and education.
Priorities Going Forward
Looking ahead, participants suggested that future EAA conferences should:
- Involve more people from different countries in planning and organizing.
- Include more people with lived experience of epilepsy, caregivers, and students.
- Focus on awareness, inclusion, and advocacy at both local and national levels.
There was also strong interest from attendees who want to help shape future scientific programmes or join the conference organizing committee.
Key Takeaways and Messages for Africa
When asked about their main takeaways, many shared powerful reflections and messages of hope:
- “We are making slow but impactful steps. We should keep it up.”
- “Nothing about us without us.”
- “Governments need to invest more in EEG equipment and neurological specialists.”
Participants also stressed the importance of collaboration, community awareness, and inclusion. One summed it up perfectly: “Excellently satisfactory in execution — but it will be even more impactful if held physically.”
In Summary
The evaluation of EAAC5 shows a strong, passionate community committed to improving epilepsy care and awareness in Africa. While there were a few technical challenges, the overall feedback was very positive. The conference successfully united voices from across the continent and the world — exactly what Epilepsy Alliance Africa stands for.
The lessons from EAAC5 will help shape an even stronger and more inclusive 6th Epilepsy Alliance Africa Conference. Together, we continue to build momentum toward better understanding, care, and advocacy for people living with epilepsy.
