The high incidence of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is, in at least a quarter of cases, because of preventable factors, yet many people who may have had seizures are not diagnosed nor receive treatments. Social stigma around epilepsy also makes it hard for Africans with epilepsy to obtain employment, form relationships or feel valued.
Our aims are to:
- PREVENT: Reduce the incidence of infection and peri-natal injury in an endemic region in Tanzania and the subsequent risk of epilepsy.
- DIAGNOSE: Improve the rate of accurate diagnosis of epilepsy by refining app-based technologies.
- TREATMENT: Increase the adherence to medication using text messaging.
- SOCIETAL CHANGE: Enact positive change by improving public awareness and reducing the stigma experienced by PWE in SSA
Start date: 1 October 2019 | Proposed end date: 31 January 2025
Region: Africa
Language: English
Lead institutions: KEMRI Wellcome Trust, Kilifi; African Population Health Research Centre, Nairobi; National Institue of Medical Research, Dar es Salaam; University of Ghana, Accra
Locations: Kilifi, Kenya; Nairobi, Kenya; Mahenge, Tanzania; Accra, Ghana
Principal investigators / organizers: Charles Newton and Arjune Sen
Patient age: All ages
Type of project: Community education, Research, Stigma, Capacity building
Funding source: Government
Project needs: Funding
Contact: Charles Newton and Arjune Sen