The Epilepsy Association of Zambia (EAZ) has appealed to Government to ensure that all epileptic drugs are made available at health centers to treat the disease across the country.
Association President Anthony Zimba said there were about 40 epileptic drugs in the world but there only two types were being offered in the country to people suffering from epilepsy.
Mr Zimba explained to ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that the two drugs being offered to people suffering from epilepsy were Carpamazia and Phenoreitone.
He added that the unavailability of a variety of epilepsy drugs needed to be addressed as quickly as possible in order to boost treatment hence helping to fight the disease.
In another development, Mr. Zimba also bemoaned the shortage of medical staff at some health centers to treat people with epilepsy.
He said there was need for more medical staff as this would assist in attending to persons suffering from the disease.
And Mr. Zimba observed that discrimination especially at work places against people suffering from epilepsy was still on the increase.
He further said that the Association lacked resources to effectively conduct its sensitisation programmes against stigma on people suffering from the disease especially in far flank areas.
Mr. Zimba pointed out the EAZ was now conducting sensitisation programmes along the line of rail to curtail discrimination.
ZANIS
Indeed epilepsy stigma is on the increase in our communities. Something has to be done.
Availability of drugs in another night mare.