The Trans Nzoia County Department of Health observed International Epilepsy Day with a commitment to improving epilepsy care and awareness. Speaking at the Kitale Museums grounds, County Director of Health Dr. Isaac Babu praised the efforts of Moi University and the AMPATH Consortium for selecting the county as a key site for the BEACON Project.

“Beyond research, the BEACON Project will benefit many epilepsy patients in the county, particularly those who have struggled due to erratic supplies of essential medications,” said Dr. Babu.

He noted that epilepsy remains a major health challenge, especially in low-resource settings, where limited access to healthcare worsens the burden.

🟢 Key Facts:
✔️ Epilepsy accounts for 1% of the global disease burden.
✔️ Many patients in Kenya lack access to essential treatment and medication.

📢 Expanding Access to Treatment & Support

Dr. Babu assured residents that the county is committed to making epilepsy medications more consistently available in health facilities.

“We will ensure that even those who are not part of the study continue receiving care,” he emphasized.

🔹 He also urged healthcare workers to provide psychosocial support, noting that anxiety and depression are common among epilepsy patients.

🚀 BEACON Project: Bringing Care Closer to Patients

🩺 Jane von Gaudecker, PhD, the principal investigator of the BEACON Project from Indiana University School of Nursing, highlighted the challenges faced by epilepsy patients in Kenya:

“One of the biggest barriers is the distance to healthcare facilities. Epilepsy is a chronic disease requiring long-term treatment, and traveling to referral hospitals like Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital is not feasible for many patients,” she said.

✅ The BEACON Project, set to run for five years in Trans Nzoia and Busia counties, will:
🔹 Train nurses and clinical officers in Level 3, 4, and 5 health facilities to provide epilepsy care.
🔹 Ensure a steady supply of epilepsy medications.
🔹 Improve accessibility of healthcare services for epilepsy patients.

Von Gaudecker emphasized that International Epilepsy Day is a call to action.

“This is not just another day; it is a call to confront the challenges faced by epilepsy patients worldwide and, specifically, in Trans Nzoia County,” she said.

She urged stakeholders to support the project, which will begin recruiting participants in June.

🗣️ Voices of Patients & Caregivers

Parents and individuals living with epilepsy shared their struggles with stigma, high medication costs, and limited healthcare access.

🗨️ Rose Wairimu, whose son Dan Njoroge has lived with epilepsy for 29 years, decried societal misconceptions:

“Many people still believe epilepsy is caused by witchcraft. The stigma and neglect from family members and the community make life difficult,” she said.

💊 Anne Wanjala, a mother of two sons with epilepsy, spoke on the high cost of medication:

“One of my sons requires three types of medicine, and the other needs one. The financial burden is immense.”

⚖️ Emmanuel Mbati, who has lived with epilepsy since childhood, called for government intervention:

“The cost and unavailability of medication are a major challenge. If the government invests in medical supplies, we can lead normal lives like everyone else.”

🆘 Urging Action for Better Epilepsy Care

🏥 Many speakers urged the government to invest in epilepsy care, including diagnostic equipment like EEG machines, which are often unavailable in public hospitals.

💰 Nancy Muthoni, who has cared for her epileptic daughter for 16 years, pointed out:

“Some epilepsy medications cost up to Ksh 120 per tablet, which is unaffordable for many families.”

To enhance emergency response, epilepsy patients introduced wristbands containing personal information and emergency contacts.

“This will help in cases of sudden seizures, ensuring patients receive immediate care,” said Diana, who has lived with epilepsy for 30 years.

📌 County’s Commitment to Epilepsy Care

Dr. Babu reiterated the county’s commitment to improving epilepsy care:

“We urge all parents and guardians with children living with epilepsy to register with the health department so they can receive the necessary support.”

As International Epilepsy Day came to a close, the message was clear:

✔️ Epilepsy is a manageable condition.
✔️ Stigma, financial constraints, and limited healthcare access remain key challenges.
✔️ Government and stakeholder support are crucial to ensuring better epilepsy care in Trans Nzoia.