Onchocerciasis is reportedly the leading cause of epilepsy (Onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy) in communities where onchocerciasis is common.However, most people living in these areas are not aware. We organized an awareness-raising campaign to educate some rural communities about onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy, a neglected tropical disease that is destroying so many lives in onchocerciasis-endemic zones in Cameroon. We targeted churches, schools, and public spaces to reach a wide audience.

Health Talks in Churches and Schools
We organized health talks in local churches and schools, where we gave engaging presentations on onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy. We covered topics such as:
– What is onchocerciasis and how is it transmitted?
– The link between onchocerciasis and epilepsy
– Symptoms and diagnosis
– Epilepsy myths, misconception and stigma
– Treatment and prevention options

These talks sparked lively discussions and questions from the local populations, showing a clear thirst for knowledge on this often-misunderstood topic.

Posters on the Streets
To reach a broader audience, we put up eye-catching posters in public spaces, including markets, schools, and community centers. These posters featured simple, and clear messages, making the information accessible to everyone. Our campaign reached over 1000 people in 8 different villages, with many expressing gratitude for the valuable information. Community leaders and healthcare workers praised our efforts, acknowledging the need for more awareness initiatives like this. We will continue to build on this momentum, planning more awareness-raising activities and collaborating with local healthcare providers to improve diagnosis and treatment options.