On August 29, 2024, the Community Development and Epilepsy Foundation (CODEF) organized a pivotal Busting Workshop in Bamenda, Cameroon. This workshop, which was part of the ongoing national dialogue on epilepsy, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including persons with epilepsy (PWE), District Medical Officers (DMOs), and nurses from the North West regional delegation of the Ministry of Public Health. The aim was to raise awareness about epilepsy and to integrate the World Health Assembly’s Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP) into local healthcare frameworks.
The workshop emphasized the need for greater attention to epilepsy care in the North West region, a message reinforced by Dr. Amba, the representative of the Regional Delegate for Public Health. Dr. Amba highlighted the significant burden epilepsy places on the region and called on health personnel, PWEs, and CODEF to intensify their efforts in raising awareness and advocating for better care. He stressed that epilepsy continues to be a hidden issue and that more must be done to bring it into the public consciousness, starting with greater involvement from healthcare providers and community members.
A key aspect of the workshop was the discussion on how to integrate IGAP recommendations into the region’s health strategies, particularly at the district and community levels. Participants brainstormed ways to incorporate epilepsy care into regional and district health frameworks, with a focus on integrating these into the Annual Work Plan (AWP). One practical step discussed was ensuring that district health personnel are sensitized on epilepsy during their coordination meetings, creating a sustainable, community-driven approach to epilepsy care.
The workshop also addressed the need for financial support to enable more extensive epilepsy awareness and care activities. DMOs and regional health personnel called for increased funding to intensify their efforts, especially in remote areas where misconceptions about epilepsy are most prevalent. The need for continuous training of health personnel, community leaders, and traditional healers was highlighted as crucial for the long-term success of these efforts.
The Busting Workshop served as a vital platform for exchanging ideas on how to tackle the deep-rooted stigma surrounding epilepsy. Participants shared their personal experiences and the challenges they face in treating epilepsy within the community. Traditional healers and faith-based leaders, often the first point of contact for many individuals with epilepsy, were encouraged to collaborate with medical professionals to create a unified approach to epilepsy care and awareness.
CODEF’s initiative is part of a broader effort to not only address the medical aspects of epilepsy but also the social and psychological impacts on PWEs. Through these workshops, CODEF aims to foster an environment where people with epilepsy can live without fear of discrimination and receive the care they need. The workshop highlighted the importance of continued advocacy and collaboration between health authorities, community leaders, and organizations like CODEF to ensure the success of epilepsy interventions in the North West region.
This event marks a significant step forward in the fight against epilepsy stigma in Cameroon. The inclusion of IGAP into local health policies, combined with increased community engagement and financial support, will provide a foundation for more effective epilepsy care in the region. CODEF expressed gratitude for the support of its partners and reiterated its commitment to ensuring that epilepsy is no longer a condition hidden in the shadows, but one that receives the attention and care it deserves in the North West region of Cameroon.