Uganda marked World Epilepsy Day on Tuesday with a significant stride forward – the commencement of epilepsy surgeries led by Ugandan doctors, a milestone heralded as a game-changer in the country’s healthcare landscape.
According to research by Makerere University School of Public Health, epilepsy afflicts approximately 1 to 2 percent of Uganda’s population, with higher prevalence rates noted in Eastern Uganda, followed by the Central and Western regions. Conversely, the Northern Region records the lowest incidences of the disease.
Dr. Angelina Kakooza, a Child Neurologist and Associate Professor of Paediatrics, highlighted Uganda’s progress in epilepsy treatment, noting the development of local capacity to perform surgeries, an initiative initially pioneered by American doctors at Cure Hospital-Mbale. The surgical procedure involves removing the brain area responsible for triggering seizures.
“Before opting for surgery, patients undergo thorough examinations to ascertain its necessity,” explained Dr. Kakooza. She emphasized that while surgery might not be viable for all patients, it becomes an option when traditional anti-seizure medications fail to control seizures, particularly in cases where seizures emanate from a singular brain location.
Dr. Juliet Nakku, Executive Director of Butabika National Referral Hospital, shed light on the prevalent misconceptions surrounding epilepsy, which often deter individuals from seeking medical treatment. She stressed the urgency of raising awareness to dispel myths and encourage affected individuals to access medical care readily available at various health facilities across Uganda.
“Epilepsy surgery offers hope for those afflicted, as neural surgeons pinpoint and excise brain regions causing abnormal wave activity, leading to seizure cessation,” affirmed Dr. Nakku. She underscored Uganda’s preparedness in deploying trained experts to deliver this critical service.
Dr. Richard Idro, an Associate Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health at Makerere University, highlighted ongoing collaborative efforts aimed at bolstering Uganda’s epilepsy treatment infrastructure. Through partnerships with various institutions, efforts are underway to train local personnel and expand service delivery capacity.
International Epilepsy Day, observed annually on the 2nd Monday of February, serves as a platform to raise awareness about epilepsy, its treatment modalities, and the need for equitable access to healthcare for all affected individuals.