Abstracts

Rationale: There are 50 million people world wide living with epilepsy, the majority of them in the developing world, especially Africa where there is a greater than 90% treatment gap. Being ‘epileptic' in Africa means you are feared, avoided, thought to be contagious, witched or possessed. People with epilepsy are excluded from normal aspects of life such as school, employment and marriage. Epilepsy is a chronic disorder whose diagnosis can easily be made in primary healthcare settings with clinical knowledge and skills, without diagnostic tests and can be treated successfully with one medication in 60-70 % of cases allowing individuals to lead normal and productive lives. Health education and community acceptance are essential for persons with epilepsy, their families and community. Epilepsy is a personal and social crisis in Africa and has been identified by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) as a priority for intervention and change. Methods: Beyond Epilepsy is an educational, awareness and advocacy program that can be easily implemented throughout Africa creating epilepsy experts at the community level and generating a grassroots movement to educate change. This program package is designed to utilize current healthcare structure and build upon the strengths of primary healthcare providers by increasing the knowledge and skills needed to improve care of people with epilepsy through education for seizure identification and diagnosis, use of epilepsy treatments available, health education, stigma reduction and action planning by participants who will become the agents of change for epilepsy in their communities and healthcare settings. In January 2014, 25 participants attended the 5 day pilot implementation of the Beyond Epilepsy Program in Ifakara, Tanzania. Results: The course evaluation revealed the participants felt all aspects of the program were extremely beneficial and will change their care, perceptions and increase advocacy for epilepsy. Pre and post stigma and knowledge assessments revealed improved knowledge, increased confidence in seizure management and positive changes in beliefs about people with epilepsy in the healthcare providers. Action plans are ongoing and monthly updates will be provided by leaders within the group. Numerous community interventions and purple day activites have occurred since program implementation. Conclusions: Practical, applied Epilepsy education for frontline healthcare providers can improve access and quality of care for those living with Epilepsy in rural African communities, while empowering these healthcare providers to engage with their communities and provide education, increase awareness and reduce stigma which is a significant barrier to healthcare access. This program package can be delivered throughout Africa and positively impact the lives of people living with Epilepsy. As stated by the the Vice President of the IBE Africa region who attended the pilot program: "this is brilliant...the best initiative I've seen...we need this program in every country in Africa!!"