It remains to be the most prevalent, neglected, and serious neurological disorder as well as one of the major causes of disability in Ethiopia.
More than 1 million are estimated to have epilepsy (very conservative) with 500,000 would have active epilepsy (with seizure in the past 1-2 years).
Out of the 1 million people are currently affected by epilepsy, of whom only 5% seek medical help, which means 95% are not receiving medical treatment.
Inadequate state of epilepsy care in health institutions.
Adequate medication is not available
Inadequate/limited neurodiagnostic facilities
There is a lack of skilled clinicians to identify and care for people with epilepsy, the total number of neurologists being 25 – or one per 2.5 million people.
Many children with epilepsy grow up having a lower education level leading to no or low employment opportunities, leading to increased poverty.
Lack of knowledge about the causes of epilepsy has been associated with negative attitudes, beliefs, and stigma in the community, workplace, and schools.
Many patients are managed through psychiatric services, thus potentially compounding the stigma associated with the condition.
Stigma and discrimination causing impaired physical, psychological and social functioning of those affected.
Due to stigma, many people with epilepsy have lower employment and education levels and lower socioeconomic status.
The Causes and Effects of Epilepsy
The high prevalence of epilepsy in Ethiopia is mainly believed to be due to:
Poor obstetric care with a consequent increased perinatal brain injury
The aftermath of cerebral malaria.
The cerebral complications of endemic parasitic and infectious diseases, and fever