According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), some 50 million people worldwide live with Epilepsy, and around 50 percent experience some form of stigma.
Recent indications are that a majority of those diagnosed with Epilepsy choose not to share the diagnosis with their employers, friends or, sometimes, even their families. We hope that through ongoing public engagement and discussion, coupled with education and a clear stance against discrimination for unseen disabilities, we can together address these issues and Stamp Out Stigma for those living with, or who are affected by, Epilepsy and other neurological conditions.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or level of health. Like so many neurological conditions, it remains an unseen disability that often, because of social stigma, is either ignored or suppressed. This can lead to serious health consequences, or even loss of life. EPILEPSY SOUTH AFRICA is a registered non-profit, South African organisation, dedicated to working with people with epilepsy and their families. Epilepsy South Africa seeks to enable people with epilepsy to lead meaningful and enriching lives, and focuses on creating opportunities for people with epilepsy both to be included into mainstream society, and to reach their full potential.
This year, Epilepsy South Africa calls on people from all walks of life to use Epilepsy Week from 12 to 18 February, 2024, to raise awareness of, broaden education about, and address the ongoing stigma around Epilepsy.
For more information go to: https://epilepsy.org.za/