National Epilepsy Week Press Conference

CareEpilepsy Ethiopia gave a joint press conference with the Ministry of Health in Addis Abba regarding the National Epilepsy Week in Ethiopia to be celebrated from 15th May – 22nd May. The core objective of this event is to raise awareness of epilepsy in the community. More than 9 medias including TV, Radio and Newspaper covered the press conference.

The press conference was held on Friday 13 May, and 25th May 2016 was called by the Federal Ministry of Health and CareEpilepsy held at the Federal Ministry of Health’s Office. Dr Mahlet Kifle (Director General, Office of the Minister), Dr Tedla W.Giorgis (Mental Health Advisor) and Enat Yewnetu (Founder and Managing Director of CareEpilepsy) spoke at the Press Conference.

National Epilepsy Week – 15th May – 22nd May 2016

A second press conference was held on Wednesday, 25 May 2016 Enat Yewnetu, spoke at the press conference. Articles were written by 5 different national newspapers.

Addis Admas (meaning ‘New Horizon’) Saturday, 17th Oct 2015

Title: Epilepsy, known in Ethiopia as the “falling Sickness”. The Newspaper reported on CareEpilepsy’s launch, 12 October 2015 at the Jupiter Hotel. It gave background to CareEpilepsy and reported on its vision and its aim, which is to establish and enhance good quality epilepsy treatment in Ethiopia, raise awareness and reduce stigma. Presentations were made by:

1. Dr Hermon Amare, Mental Health leader of the Federal Ministry of Health
2. Dr Mehila Zebenigus, consultant neurologist, who explained what epilepsy is
3. Enat Yewnetu, who spoke of the origins of CareEpilepsy and its work, and what we want to achieve in Ethiopia

Shegitu magazine

CareEpilepsy Ethiopia was featured in Shegitu magazine. Enat Yewnetu explained about CareEpilepsy’s background and the work that we do. This is a short, English-language synopsis of some of the Amharic coverage. This is a short, English-language summary of some of the Amharic coverage.

Shegitu magazine, (meaning ‘Pretty’), used the launch as it’s cover story, asking the question “Are we ready to learn?”

The lead article is based on an interview with our founder, Enat Yewnetu, and dealt with four areas:

1. Our background, vision, and mission. Enat explained that epilepsy is a medical condition, not a manifestation of an evil spirit.
2. The impact of stigma for epilepsy sufferers means the general public find it hard to look at epilepsy in a balanced way.
3. The challenges are real and should not be minimized. In spite of that, a good life is possible.
4. How can society contribute to our work? Everyone should ask themselves how they can make a difference to the story of epilepsy care in Ethiopia.

The caption to the photo on the second page states: You have choices in life – one is to let depression take over and allow your life to lose purpose – another is to be strong and to have a positive attitude, despite having to live with epilepsy. I chose the latter.