Uganda Forex Bureau and Money Remittance Association has donated sh2.5 million towards Epilepsy

In an effort to raise public awareness about epilepsy in Uganda, the Uganda Forex Bureau and Money Remittance Association  has donated shs 2.5million towards sensitization of masses about the epilepsy.

Kiiza Lamek the association chairman says the donation will go along way to sensitizing and raising public awareness about the stigma and discrimination of epilepsy victims in society.

“we support the epilepsy cause because epilepsy in Uganda is neglected. There so many epilepsy patients suffering from denial and stigma in society yet corporate organisation supporting cancer and polio can priorities epilepsy in their corporate social responsibility programmes, “Kiiza said.

He challenged  other Corporate organizations to follow suit and sponsor  epilepsy awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and increase access to health care by victims.

Nina Mago Purple Bench Initiative founder said Uganda will join the rest of the world to celebrate international epilepsy day  by launching two campaigns under the theme:50million steps for epilepsy let’s shine alight on epilepsy on 8th February.

According to her the campaign aims to step up epilepsy awareness among the population in Uganda.

“The let’s shine alight epilepsy campaign will be an opportunity the challenges faced by people affected by epilepsy and their care givers. It is planned that several land marks and buildings around the world wil be lit purple to mark the day,” Mago said.

The Purple Bench Initiative, is an NGO that works to increase awareness of the condition and provides psychosocial support to people living with epilepsy and their care givers in Uganda.

According to medical records, epilepsy prevalence is high in children aged  15 years in Wakiso and Northern Uganda districts. Wilson Asiimwe a researcher says challenges facing  developing countries is to raise awareness to bring epilepsy ‘out of the shadows. Now that corporate bodies have started donating towards this initiative, the future is bright.