Epilepsy & Smart Farm Program

Epilepsy In Uganda

The people of Masindi, Uganda do not have an understanding of epilepsy.This is because their knowledge about the disease is very limited. There is no certain cause and many are fearful of it.

GLO is decided to raise awareness and understanding of epilepsy to improve acceptability, treatment, and services for the patients, families, and caregivers in Masindi. Many of those affected by it are young children and most of them are missing school.

The reason for this epidemic is still unknown but some areas have seen an incredible increase in the cases of epilepsy that have afflicted entire families. The reason could be lack of proper education about this condition or it could be due to a lack of proper health care resources available in these areas where they live. Dr. John Turyagaruka who works closely with GLO says that this area has one of the highest rates of epilepsy in the world and he reports that this area has been neglected for years which makes it difficult to identify any possible root causes for their condition.

GLO Epilepsy Outreach Program

• GLO continues to provide treatment, counseling, and other support services for nearly 300 epileptic patients every month
  
• Over 85% of the patients are seizure-free, working to provide for themselves and their families 
  
• Increased sense of the individual’s/family’s sense of empowerment
  
• Due to increased awareness of epilepsy challenges and management, there is a decrease in stigma and discrimination within the communities
• Patients are more willing to share their disease challenges due to changes in their behavior.

At GLO, we seek to empower these individuals suffering with epilepsy and let them know that together they can work together to have their needs be addressed and to be treated with the dignity they deserve. We are looking at introducing micro-economic projects for our epilepsy ambassadors so they can be self-sustaining members of their communities.