By Delisa Thwala
“It is very painful to learn that some of our children who are epileptic are sexually violated. This is cruelty and we need to find ways to stop such acts,”
The above stern words were firmly articulated by the country’s Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla during the fun-filled Yellow Epilepsy Family Fun Day held at the Manzini Club over the weekend.
Dladla said people with epilepsy were sevenfold more likely to have reported experiencing discrimination due to health problems than the general population without epilepsy.
She said this estimate was substantially greater in people with epilepsy than for people with other chronic conditions.
People with epilepsy also had greater odds of experiencing domestic violence and sexual abuse than the general population, although these associations were also found in people with other chronic conditions.
“People with epilepsy can face a range of psychosocial adversities and extensively report feeling discriminated against as compared to the general population.
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In addition, if confirmed in studies, the results suggest that these psychosocial adversities may have a significant role in the development of psychiatric comorbidity and may be targets for future interventions,” said the DPM.
Meanwhile, the DPM was with the Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula and they started the day with a march aiming at raising awareness about epilepsy and neurological diseases in Manzini Town.
The theme for the event was ‘Making the World Safer, More Inclusive for Persons with Epilepsy, the Other Neurological Diseases and Disabilities.
It was aimed at raising awareness and curbing discrimination and abuse faced by persons with epilepsy, neurological diseases, and disabilities.
Dr. Advocate Dlamini took time to explain the causes of epilepsy and neurological diseases, what can be done, and the best ways to deal with affected persons.
The Minister for Health applauded the nurses in the country for working under stressful conditions and managing to save lives.
He acknowledged the challenges that his ministry was going through and promised that very soon everything would be sorted including a shortage of pharmaceuticals.
The minister also highlighted the number of persons affected by epilepsy was growing.
All the while The DPM thanked His Royal Highness Prince Bandzile for establishing the Eswatini Epilepsy Organization which has saved the lives of epileptic persons and created awareness about this condition.
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She also thanked all the mothers and guardians who have dedicated their lives to care for affected children.
The colourful event was well attended by different people from all walks of life. It was a hive of activity as there were children, adults, bikers, entertainers, and informative stalls.
Worth mentioning is that the event was ahead of the globally celebrated Mother’s Day which was celebrated yesterday.
