Safaricom launches Epilepsy mobile information service

BY LONAH KIBET

Kenya: Health Principal Secretary Fred Sigor has revealed that about one million Kenyans suffer from epilepsy but only 20 per cent of the cases get adequate treatment.

Speaking during the launch of a new Information Technology (IT) service that would allow the public access information on epilepsy using their mobile phones, Prof Sigor said epilepsy has for a long time been surrounded by myths and misconceptions that breach the treatment gap.

The service dubbed “Epilepsy Care Service” enables patients, caregivers and health workers to get data related to the disease by registering using a Safaricom line, at no cost.

“We need to demystify these delusions by educating our societies that it is a medical condition so that the affected can enjoy life in supportive communities,” said Sigor.

Eighty per cent of epilepsy victims have no access to medication due to stigma from the society that believes that the affected are either bewitched or cursed.

Medically, epilepsy is a disorder of the brain’s electrical system where abnormal electrical impulses cause brief changes in movement, behavior, sensation or awareness.

The interruptions, known as seizures, may last from a few seconds to a few minutes, those who have had two or more seizures are considered to have epilepsy.

The condition can be caused by low oxygen during birth, head injuries that occur during birth or from accidents during youth or adulthood or brain infection.

Sigor assured of the Government’s support in the fight against the disease adding that the ministry is working on interventions to reduce the huge gap.

The Government recently launched guidelines for the management of epilepsy.