First Lady Thandiwe Banda has urged the health sector in Zambia and Africa to consider giving serious attention to people living with epilepsy.
Mrs. Banda said the health sector in most African countries have paid little attention to the devastating effect the disease has on the people.
She said many countries have concentrated on major communicable diseases such as malaria, and HIV/AIDS.
She said of about 60 million cases of epilepsy in the world over, Africa and other developing countries accounts for about 80% of the recorded cases.
The First lady said this in a speech read on her behalf by Vice President’s wife Irene Kunda after the epilepsy sensitization walk to mark the launch of the registration for the epilepsy conference that will be held next month.
She said there is need for all stakeholders to create awareness and stop stigma against people with epilepsy as it affects even the most productive people in our society.
Mrs. Banda said there is need to sensitize people on epilepsy and tell them that the disease can be cured with drugs adding that about 80% of the people who remain on treatment for two years remain free from seizures.
She however said that there is need to provide anti-epilepsy drugs to people suffering from the disease if it is to be completely eradicated.
Speaking at the same function Epilepsy Association of Zambia (EAZ) member, Chinunka Kalonga called for all stakeholders to support people with epilepsy.
Ms. Kalonga said epilepsy is the disease that affects everyone adding that there is need to stop the discrimination of people living with the disease.
She however said the sensitization walk that has been conducted will mark a new chapter for epilepsy in Zambia.
ZANIS/GP/MKM/ENDS
Thumbs up Thandie. Continue the noble cause.
She somewhat seems to display the characteristics of Dorcas and Ester of the Good book …..
Oh yeah indeed. Those 2 biblical and historical good hearted ladies died with their good works and good intentions.
This is a good cause but change your dressing
I seem to like this first lady lets wait and see, i only hope she wont go crazy with her position.
Good effort but don’t give people false hope by telling them that the disease can be cured with drugs ’cause not all forms of epilepsy is responsive to drug therapy.Tell them that the disease can be “treated” and a good number of cases can lead to cure but there’re still cases that can’t be cured.
Our Thanks, Mrs Banda, for speaking courageously in support of lack of discrimination against us. Thankyou.
why should she change her dressing? the minute zambians become less judgmental and less jealous we will go a long way. there is nothing wrong with what she’s wearing so why bring it up? get over yourself.
Thumbs up for the First Lady with a first. At least someone is talking about the plight of people afflicted and affected with some conditions that evcerybody doesn’t want to talk about. This generally goes with all other disabilities in general. Keep up the spirit Thandi (hope i got the name right). Be the mother of all silent voices and keep supporting all causes weak and ignored. “Try to do Different”.
Even Rupiah has got first lady?LOL
Naimwe ba LT better screen some words b4 publishing them..Other the next insult will be yours!
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