EPILEPSY CARE
WHO GLOBAL EPILEPSY REPORT
Over 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases. However, 80% of these cases come from low income to middle-income countries where proper medical care is harder to come by. Three-quarters of people impacted by epilepsy in low-income areas are not getting the treatment they deserve. For more information on epilepsy and how it impacts, read the WHO Global Epilepsy Report.
MAHENGE EPILEPSY CLINIC
The Mahenge Epilepsy clinic was started by Dr. Louise Jilek-Aall and continues to medically supervise people with epilepsy. The clinic treats approximately 500 patients from Mahenge and the surrounding area. There is one doctor in the clinic and one nurse, they are often seeing 30 patients per day.
ANTI-SEIZURE MEDICATION
70% of people living with epilepsy could be seizure-free if treated. One of the challenges facing people with epilepsy in developing countries is the lack of consistent anti-seizure medication. Current gaps in pharmaceutical availability can last for weeks at a time. Our goal is to ensure that epileptic patients do not have to worry about access to consistent medication.
Read the report on Lamotrigine distribution in Mahenge.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECT
When Provision started, we set out to make the lives of those who suffer from epilepsy in the Tanzanian community better in all aspects. Not only do these people need medicine but employment and education are also essential for them to live completely normal lives with their epilepsy. This is why we set out to create our employment program. The purpose of the employment program was to demonstrate that a person with epilepsy could be a productive member of society. Provision has employed the same core group that have seen remarkable changes in their lives. Individuals are now respected productive members of both their families and the community.