By Elijah Khisa
Residents of Bududa District in Uganda’s Mount Elgon region have benefited from a free public dialogue aimed at raising awareness about epilepsy, its causes, prevention measures and available clinical counselling services.
The interactive dialogue, held at the Bududa District headquarters over the weekend, was organised by the Epilepsy Support Association of Uganda (ESAU) and attracted more than 200 residents seeking to understand the causes and burden of epilepsy in their communities.
The dialogue targeted stakeholders from Bushika and Bubito sub-counties, which have communities affected by epilepsy.
ESAU Executive Director Sarah Nekesa cautioned the public against consuming poorly prepared pork, warning that eating contaminated or undercooked pork can expose people to infections associated with epilepsy.
Nekesa, who has personally championed epilepsy awareness and supported patients and other stakeholders for the past 26 years, said some forms of epilepsy can result from brain damage caused by various factors.
She cited head injuries resulting from road crashes, domestic violence, complications during childbirth, alcohol and substance abuse, and certain infections associated with consumption of poorly prepared pork, among other factors.
Nekesa explained that pork that is not thoroughly cooked or roasted at sufficiently high temperatures may contain Taenia solium larvae, commonly known as pork tapeworm cysts.
She said infection can occur when people consume contaminated pork, with the parasite potentially affecting the brain and causing a condition known as neurocysticercosis, which can lead to seizures and, in some cases, epilepsy.
She called for stronger public education campaigns on the dangers of consuming raw or inadequately cooked pork, urging the Government and other stakeholders to intensify consumer awareness to protect communities.
Nekesa also appreciated the technical and logistical support provided to ESAU by the Ministry of Health and the Government, particularly in strengthening the association’s capacity and promoting collaboration among stakeholders involved in epilepsy awareness and prevention.
Participants at the dialogue received information from a panel of health professionals on the causes and risk factors of epilepsy, prevention measures, treatment and clinical counselling services.
In their resolutions, participants appreciated ESAU for providing them with knowledge about epilepsy and pledged to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and awareness campaigns on preventive measures in their respective communities.
They also commended political, technical, cultural and religious leaders for joining efforts to address the causes and effects of epilepsy, which continues to contribute to suffering, stigma and economic hardship among affected families.
What You Did Not Know About ESAU
The Epilepsy Support Association of Uganda (ESAU) was established 26 years ago following research indicating a significant burden of epilepsy in Uganda.
The association currently has a membership of about 20,000 people across 42 districts and operates in 125 sub-counties, where it conducts stakeholder sensitisation campaigns and builds the capacity of community leaders to understand, support and respond to epilepsy within their communities.
