Durodami Lisk
Allied Health Sciences in the University of Sierra Leone, UK
Title: The Challenges of Managing Epilepsy is resource poor countries in Africa- Experience from Sierra Leone
Biography
Biography: Durodami Lisk
Abstract
In developed countries, epilepsy is accepted as a medical condition and patients submit themselves to the various method of treatment available. Sierra Leone is a small West African country with poor infrastructure and health services.56% of people with epilepsy believe that epilepsy is caused by demons and witchcraft and seek treatment from traditional healers. It is also widely believed that epilepsy is transferable.We have looked at knowledge, attitudes, and practices of health workers towards epilepsy as well as the impact of epilepsy on school attendance of affected children. We further investigated the co-morbidities of depression and anxiety in our patients. Education, awareness raising and sensitization are important strategies in changing the attitudes of the community and improving service uptake. We have used innovative methods as well as standard media such as radio, television and posters in getting our primary messages across that epilepsy is a manageable medical condition and it is not transferable. With the use of basic antiepileptic drugs and outreach clinics, we have been able to reach thousands of patients throughout the country but a lot more needs to be done.
