Stigmatizing Epilepsy in Ghana must be Abolished

Epilepsy, also known as a seizure disorder, is a brain condition that causes recurring seizures. There are many types of epilepsy, with some having identifiable causes while others remain unknown.

In Ghana, epilepsy is one of the major chronic non-communicable diseases of the brain, affecting approximately 270,000 people. It is the most prevalent neuropsychiatric condition reported in rural health institutions and ranks among the top five medical conditions in the country.

As today marks International Epilepsy Day, Purple Point Neurodiagnostics Ghana, has organized a program themed “Epilepsy Seizure Awareness and First Aid Campaign Training” to provide adequate information on handling epilepsy patients and to eliminate the stigma surrounding the condition.

With a vision dedicated to advancing global neurological healthcare and improving patient outcomes, PPN aims to enhance the quality of life by delivering accurate, accessible, and compassionate neurological diagnostics worldwide. The organization has over 60 years of combined experience, with its headquarters in the USA.

During an interview with GhanaNewsOnline, Lydia Setsoafia, a member of PPN, explained that their office is a U.S.-based company extending opportunities to Ghanaians. “Our mission is to train the people of Ghana about neurodiagnostics. We educate people on conditions related to the human brain, including epilepsy and stroke. As we celebrate Epilepsy Day today, February 10, we are here to commemorate the occasion by inviting the Traditional Herbalists Association of Ghana to help understand epilepsy better and work towards eliminating its stigmatization,” she noted.

Purple Point Neurodiagnostics has opened two clinics, one in Accra and the other in Kumasi. These clinics enable the local PPN team to assist patients in the region, providing essential brain health services and raising awareness about neurological conditions.

By Madjid Diallo || GhanaNewsOnline