DAR ES SALAAM: THE Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Tanzania Epilepsy Association (TEA), has rolled out new strategies aimed at strengthening access to epilepsy-related health and social services, starting from the primary healthcare level.
The initiatives focus on closing existing service gaps through long-term public education, improved diagnosis and treatment at health facilities, and collective action to address misconceptions that continue to fuel stigma and discrimination against people living with epilepsy.
The Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Florence Samizi said the government is committed to improving epilepsy service delivery, including increasing access to essential medicines at lower-level health facilities.
She made the remarks in Dar es Salaam on Monday during the World Epilepsy Day (WED) commemoration and the National Epilepsy Conference organised by TEA.
“Epilepsy is a very important issue. It touches the lives of many of our citizens, and as public servants, it is our responsibility to raise awareness and address the challenges that epilepsy patients face in their daily lives,” she said.
Dr Samizi noted that children living with epilepsy are among the most affected, facing discrimination at school, including being denied the right to play with their peers, and in some cases being left without assistance during seizures.
She said the commemoration of World Epilepsy Day was an important opportunity to strengthen awareness efforts, stressing that every campaign and community initiative plays a vital role in building broader understanding and acceptance.
According to WHO, about 50 million people worldwide live with epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological disorders. In Tanzania, it is estimated that more than one million people live with the condition, yet only about 200,000 access services at health facilities.
The condition mostly affects children, people aged between 20 and 29 years, and those above 50, highlighting a significant burden on the economically productive population.
Despite scientific advances, Dr Samizi said epilepsy in many societies especially in low- and middle-income countries continues to be linked to superstitious beliefs such as witchcraft, demons or curses.
“These beliefs lead many patients to seek traditional or faith-based remedies first, and to delay receiving appropriate treatment,” she added.
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She further said the ministry is establishing a special committee of national experts and a neurology coordination system for epilepsy and other neurological disorders to ensure challenges faced by patients are addressed and monitored regularly.
Meanwhile, the Acting Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Dr Julieth Magandi, said Muhimbili has continued to invest in strengthening epilepsy services through key interventions, including improving paediatric care using modern equipment and establishing a specialised diagnostic unit at Mloganzila.
She said while Tanzania continues to strengthen treatment services, there is also a shared responsibility to fight stigma and misconceptions that prevent many patients from seeking care.
On his part, TEA Chairperson, Professor William Matuja said epilepsy remains a growing concern globally, with more than 60 million people estimated to be living with the condition.
He said stigma remains deeply rooted in many communities, citing findings showing that more than 36 per cent of people believe epilepsy is caused by dark forces, while 50 per cent believe it is contagious.