Accra: The Epilepsy Pathway Innovation in Africa (EPInA) project has revealed that between 80 and 90 per cent of persons living with epilepsy in Ghana are not receiving appropriate treatment, largely due to stigma in communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, Professor Patrick Adjei, Project Lead and Principal Investigator of the EPInA project, stated that stigma, rather than lack of medicines, was the main driver of Ghana's wide epilepsy treatment gap. He disclosed this at the opening of a two-day meeting focused on the implementation of the Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) on epilepsy and other neurological disorders in Ghana.
The Plan, adopted in 2022 by the World Health Assembly, outlines actions for Member States and partners to close the treatment gap for people with neurological disorders and address inequalities, stigma, and discrimination. It also aims to support quality diagnosis, treatment, management, and care of neurological disorders, and strengthen the public health approach to epilepsy.
Prof. Adjei explained that although medicines for epilepsy were available under the National Health Insurance Scheme at primary healthcare facilities, many patients failed to seek care due to fear, discrimination, and social exclusion. He emphasized the impact of social stigma, noting that if individuals feel they are being perceived differently because of seizures, they may avoid health facilities altogether.
The World Health Organization Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) indicates that the treatment gap for epilepsy in low- and middle-income countries averages about 70 per cent. However, findings from the Ghanaian study suggest that the figure could be as high as 90 per cent locally. The study further established that caregivers of persons living with epilepsy faced similar levels of stigma, affecting their social lives and willingness to pursue treatment for affected relatives.
Epilepsy, also known as seizure disorder, is a brain condition that causes recurring seizures. It is diagnosed when a person has had at least two seizures without a clear cause, at least 24 hours apart. Globally, more than 50 million people live with epilepsy, and the condition is particularly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana, about 330,000 people are estimated to be living with the condition.
Prof. Adjei noted that the study, conducted in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service as part of a public health advocacy drive, found that epilepsy prevalence in Ghana stands at approximately 10 per 1,000 people, translating into about one in every 100 persons. He highlighted that epilepsy is not rare and affects families, caregivers, and entire communities.
Prof. Adjei said medical evidence cited in the study showed that epilepsy was highly treatable. He explained that about 60 per cent of patients became seizure-free on one anti-epileptic drug and that of the remaining 40 per cent, up to 60 per cent could achieve seizure control with two medications. A small percentage might require surgical intervention to remove identifiable brain lesions. He added that more than 36 anti-epileptic medicines were available globally, with several accessible in Ghana.
Prof. Adjei called for intensified public health education campaigns through district health systems under the Ghana Health Service to reduce stigma and improve service utilisation. He urged persons living with epilepsy to seek care at health facilities and appealed to caregivers to support treatment adherence, while encouraging faith-based organisations to educate themselves and promote medical treatment. He emphasized that epilepsy is another chronic medical condition of the brain and is treatable and, in some cases, curable.
Professor Felix Akoma Asante, Provost of the University of Ghana, representing the Vice-Chancellor, called for a multidisciplinary approach to address the challenge. Mr Thomas Larbie, a caregiver, shared his experience, stating that caring for someone with epilepsy was not easy but possible and could be deeply meaningful. He highlighted the importance of education, learning seizure first aid, following medical guidance, and avoiding superstition in seeking treatment.
The meeting provided a platform to discuss epilepsy care pathways, challenges, advocacy, and the availability of medicines for neurological disorders in Ghana, in line with the targets of the Intersectoral Global Action Plan.