EAARF

Shinning a light on Onchocerciasis-associated Epilepsy in affected rural communities

eaafadmin — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 18:41:54 +0000

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.

Brain Health and Prevention: Impact of a World brain Day Social Media Campaign

eaafadmin — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 18:01:35 +0000

Sub-Saharan African countries are witnessing a surge in the prevalence of neurological disorders. This is compounded by a critical shortage of neurologists, diagnostics and therapeutics to effectively manage these disorders. With this backdrop, the need to raise awareness of neurological disorders and promote brain health in this region has never been more imperative. However, awareness-raising initiatives for brain health and neurological disorders in this region are few. We present the results of a one-week digital campaign conducted to promote awareness of brain health in commemoration of Wolrd Brain Day 2024.
From July 15-22, 2024, a one-week digital campaign was conducted on WhatsApp and Facebook. The aim of the campaign was to contribute to the achievement of strategic objective 3 of the Intersectoral Global Action Plan for Epilepsy and other neurological disorders (IGAP) by raising awareness about the importance brain health and promoting strategies for maintaining healthy brains. The campaign included a series of educational posts, infographics, and videos highlighting the importance of brain health. We used the messages on brain health from the World Federation of neurology website to create an educative flyer carrying information on healthy tips to keep the brain healthy, such as exercising, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep. The messages were also translated to two other languages: French and Swahili to reach a wider audience.
We encouraged people to send us a headshot photo of themselves and we would overlay the flyer with their photo and they would share it on Facebook and WhatsApp. This personalized the campaign and helped increase engagement. Participants were also encouraged to invite friends and family to participate in this activity, creating a ripple effect of engagement and awareness. In addition to the educational materials, we also organized a contest where participants had to present creative ways to spread brain health awareness. The winners received a cash prize and had their content featured on our social media pages.

By the end of the campaign, we had over 250 participants from 10 countries in SSA: Cameroon, Tanzania, DR Congo, Congo Brazzaville, Ghana, Gabon. Nigeria, Mauritania, South Africa and Kenya. The educative flyer reached over 8,000 people on WhatsApp and Facebook with an engagement rate of over 42%. Furthermore, the contest received 20 submissions showcasing innovative ideas and initiatives to promote brain health in their communities. Most participants were from the 19-30 age group.

Social media can be an effective strategy in promoting brain health awareness in SSA. Also, young people can be effective drivers of change in brain health awareness. Strategies to promote brain health awareness and prevention of neurological disorders should involve young people and leverage social media.

Breaking Barriers and Changing Lives: The Guardian’s Article on EAARF’s Efforts to Combat Epilepsy

eaafadmin — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 11:15:51 +0000

We are pleased to announce the publication of an article about our organisation in The Guardian. This article highlights the challenges faced by people with epilepsy and the work EAARF is doing to change the narrative and empower people with epilepsy. The article provides an in-depth look at the impact of epilepsy on individuals and the broader community. It delves into the stigmatisation and misconceptions surrounding epilepsy, shedding light on the need for greater awareness and understanding. Additionally, it describes the initiatives and programmes that EAARF is leading to support epilepsy sufferers and encourage inclusivity. The piece features personal stories from people living with epilepsy, offering a glimpse into their daily realities. It also emphasises the importance of advocacy and solidarity in driving positive change for people with epilepsy. This article serves as a powerful testament to the dedication and impact of EAARF in shaping a more inclusive and informed society for people with epilepsy.

Improving Educational Attainment and Outcomes for Underpriviledged Children with Epilepsy

eaafadmin — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 22:14:18 +0000

Epilepsy deprives many children of the opportunity to receive a quality education and achieve their full potential. Children with epilepsy are more likely to have lower educational attainment and poorer academic outcomes compared to their peers. Several factors contribute to this, including poverty, frequent seizures, stigma, and a lack of access to proper educational resources and support. Our annual backpack giveaway aims to improve educational attainment and outcomes for underprivileged children with epilepsy through the donation of didactic materials. The initiative aims to provide these children with the necessary tools and resources to enhance their learning experience and help them overcome the challenges they face due to their condition. The event brought together various stakeholders, including parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, and community members who were committed to making a difference in the lives of these children.

The event featured a series of activities and initiatives geared towards raising awareness about epilepsy and its impact on education, as well as garnering support for the cause.Experts in epilepsy and education led informational sessions as part of these activities.Twenty-nine children with epilepsy, ages five to seventeen, received backpacks containing didactic materials. In addition to providing didactic materials, we will be carrying out awareness-raising activities in the schools of the targeted children to help dispel the stigma associated with epilepsy and create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.

We will also provide resources to teachers and school staff to help them better understand epilepsy, assist children with epilepsy when they have seizures in school, and support the academic needs of students with epilepsy. Through these activities, we hope to empower underprivileged children with epilepsy to succeed academically and reach their full potential.

Why Improving Access to Effective Antiepileptic Medications in Resource-limited Settings is Crucial

eaafadmin — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:25:55 +0000

Living with epilepsy can pose numerous challenges, especially for young children. However, thanks to the generous donation of antiepileptic medications, the impact on their health outcomes and school attainment has been truly remarkable. For children with epilepsy, managing their condition and ensuring a good quality of life is of utmost importance. We report a success story of a child who greatly benefited from these donated medications. Djojip Arol is an 11-year old boy who was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of six. His condition initially affected his daily life and educational progress, as he experienced frequent seizures that affected his ability to concentrate and participate fully in classroom activities. He experienced status epilepticus (a life-threatening complication of epilepsy characterised by uninterrupted seizures or a single prolonged seizure lasting five minutes or more) on several occasions, leading to hospitalisations and missed school days. He had been tried on multiple antiepileptic drugs, but none seemed to effectively control his seizures. His mother, who was in desperate need of assistance and support, presented him to the CEO of EAARF, Dr Mundih Njohjam, during a community outreach program. After a thorough assessment, he was placed on Levetiracetam, one of the newer antiepileptic medications that had been donated to our programme by a US-based non-profit organisation, the ROW Foundation. Levetiracetam, is one of the new generation AEDs that has been found to be effective in the management of seizures. However, it is not yet widely available and affordable in our local healthcare system. With the donated medications, Djojip’s seizures started to become less frequent and less severe. From having daily seizures, he now only experiences a seizure once every few months. He has shown significant improvement in his overall health and well-being. He is now able to attend school regularly without the fear of having a seizure in class. His academic performance has also improved, as he is now able to concentrate better and actively participate in classroom discussions.
‘My son is always very sad when he doesn’t go to school because of his seizures. But ever since he started taking the donated antiepileptic medications, his life has changed for the better.He is now able to participate fully in school activities and enjoy a normal childhood,” says his mother.
‘I am very grateful for the antiepileptic medications that have made such a positive impact on Djojip’s life. I can’t express enough how much of a difference it has made for our family.Without access to these medications, Djojip’s quality of life would have remained significantly compromised.His seizures were affecting his ability to learn and thrive in school, but the donated antiepileptic medications have given him a chance at a normal childhood and a brighter future.
This testimonial highlights the tremendous impact that the right antiepileptic medications can have on the health outcomes and school attainment rate of a child with epilepsy. It demonstrates the importance of improving access to affordable and effective medications. With the support of organisations like the ROW Foundation, children like Djojip are given the opportunity to live a life free from the burden of frequent seizures. These medications not only reduce the frequency and severity of seizures, but also improve the child’s ability to attend school regularly and perform well academically.

Equiping, Empowering and Elevating Women with Epilepsy

eaafadmin — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:03:16 +0000

In an effort to support and empower underprivileged women with epilepsy, our organisation has provided financial assistance to three women who are facing economic challenges compounded by their medical conditions. We recognize the importance of these women receiving the necessary medical care and support to manage their epilepsy effectively.Through case studies and research, we have identified the specific needs and struggles faced by women with epilepsy.These women often face multiple barriers, including poverty, a lack of access to quality healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, and social stigmatisation. To address these challenges, we gave these women financial capital to help them start up an income-generating activity or business that aligns with their skills and abilities.

The first of the three women who received financial assistance from our organization is Mrs. Juliette Kinyuy, a 40-year-old single mother of two. One of her children, who is 7 years old, has been living with a severe form of epilepsy for the past five years. Mrs. Kinyuy shared with us the challenges she faced in providing proper medical care and support for her child. Her husband and father of her two children left her after their child was diagnosed with epilepsy, leaving her as the sole provider and carer. She expressed her worries about the high cost of medications, doctor visits, and specialized therapies that her child needed but couldn’t afford. She also shared that she had limited job opportunities and struggled to find a stable income to cover these expenses. She hawks with a local food called ‘Koki’, but her earnings were inconsistent and insufficient to meet the medical needs of her child. She also shared her desire to scale up her small food business to generate more income and improve her financial situation.

Recognizing her dedication and the financial hurdles she faced, we provided her with financial assistance to expand her food business and increase her income. With the financial assistance we provided, Mrs. Kinyuy was able to purchase additional supplies for her food business, allowing her to increase production and attract more customers to support her child’s medical expenses.

The second lady who received financial assistance is called Leticia; is a 26-year-old single mother of one who has been living with epilepsy for the past five years and resides in one of the conflict-affected communities of the North West region of Cameroon. Due to her condition, Leticia faced difficulty finding stable employment and supporting herself financially. Living in a rural area with limited job opportunities, she struggled to access the necessary healthcare and medications for her epilepsy. She shared her story with us, expressing her frustration and worries about not being able to afford the essential medical treatment she needed to manage her condition. She was interested in hairdressing, but she didn’t have the necessary funds to pay for a hairstyling course and tools. Understanding Leticia’s aspirations and needs, we provided her with financial assistance to enrol in a hairstyling course and purchase the necessary tools. This will not only enable her to pursue a career in hairdressing but also provide her with a source of income to support herself and afford the medical care she needs. At the end of her training, we will also support Leticia in setting up her own small hairdressing salon, providing her with further financial assistance to purchase the necessary equipment and supplies.
The third beneficiary of our financial aid is a woman named Elena, who is in her early 30s and also lives with epilepsy in a rural community in the South West region of Cameroon. Through a local community outreach program that one of our volunteers was in charge of, we learned about Elena’s situation. Elena shared with us the difficulties she faced due to her epilepsy. She struggled to find stable employment as many employers were hesitant to hire her due to misconceptions and stigmas surrounding epilepsy. As a result, Elena faced financial hardships and had trouble affording her medications and accessing proper healthcare.
She had skills in dressmaking but lacked the resources to start her own business. Recognizing Elena’s potential and the barriers she faced, we provided her with financial assistance to start her own dressmaking business. With the financial assistance we provided, Elena was able to purchase fabrics, and other necessary supplies. This enabled her to start her dressmaking business and secure a stable income.

These financial interventions have had a significant impact on the lives of these women. Furthermore, it increases their chances of visiting a doctor and getting in-time medical treatment, all of which reduce their vulnerability to the negative consequences of epilepsy.

Unveiling the Trailblazer: EAARF CEO and Founder Takes Home Coveted African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Social Entrepreneur Award

eaafadmin — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 17:16:18 +0000

During a glamorous awards ceremony that took place on Friday night in Kigali, Rwanda, the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) announced the winners of the 2023 AWIEF Awards. Out of the 24 powerful women founders and entrepreneurs selected across Africa as top finalists by an international and independent panel of judges, eight winners were announced at the awards ceremony. Among the eight winners was the CEO and founder of the Epilepsy Awareness, Aid, and Research Foundation (EAARF). We can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey that has led to this moment. The challenges faced and overcome with innovative strategies have transformed Dr. Mundih Noelar Njohjam into a hero in the world of entrepreneurship. Dr. Mundih’s vision and dedication to social impact have set a new standard for leadership.

Dr. Mundih is not just a medical doctor but an asset to wider society, especially those living with epilepsy. She has stood out as a distinctive medical doctor, researcher, and social impact initiator, demonstrating that philanthropy is not just about financial donations but also about leveraging the right non-financial resources to make the world a better place. Dr. Mundih has been very consistent in her community transformation efforts, and her activities at the Epilepsy Awareness, Aid, and Research Foundation have been remarkable over the years, improving access to health services for people living with epilepsy.

Born and raised in a society where epilepsy is misconstrued, Dr. Mundih has chosen a path that has many challenges for the affected: misinformation and stigma. She is selfless and passionate about what very few people are talking about or taking action about in Africa. From working to establish the epilepsy clinics in Cameroon to providing adequate care and support to hundreds of patients with epilepsy across Africa, as well as reaching out to over 2,000,000 people across Africa with epilepsy messaging, Dr. Mundih does it all.

This recognition is a testament to Dr. Mundih’s ability to encourage and nurture ideas that generate successful innovation breakthroughs. We have seen firsthand how she has aligned our organization’s innovative talent with our strategies, leading to enduring successful spin-offs and inspiring transformational leadership.This award is a well-deserved honor, and we are proud to celebrate her as a true trailblazer in social entrepreneurship.

Seize the Schools

eaafadmin — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 16:30:57 +0000

Epilepsy affects people of all ages but is more common in young children. Unfortunately, there is a lack of understanding and knowledge surrounding epilepsy, particularly in primary school-aged children. To address this gap in understanding, we are carrying out educational activities designed to raise awareness and understanding of epilepsy in primary schools.

The objective of the educational activity is to provide primary school-aged children with a basic understanding of epilepsy and the impact it can have on a person’s life. The activity also provides children with the knowledge and skills to better support a friend or classmate who lives with epilepsy.

Flying High: Celebrating Our Pollination Project Grant Win!

eaafadmin — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 16:16:29 +0000

We are happy to announce that we have received a seed grant for our project titled “Community-driven Campaign on Infantile Epileptic Spasms Syndrome (CACHIESS)” from the Pollination Project.
Infantile Epileptic Spasms Syndrome is a potential life-threatening but treatable form of epilepsy that affects infants aged between 0 and 2 years. Early recognition and treatment are crucial to the long-term survival of affected children. Regrettably, community knowledge of this condition is low, which leads to late presentations.
Our project aims to address this knowledge gap through a yearly awareness-raising campaign that will involve educational activities targeting parents, health workers, and teachers.
We are immensely grateful to @thepollinationproject for seeding this project that will help save the lives of many infants.

Brain Awareness Week 2023

eaafadmin — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 19:42:28 +0000

Brain disorders like epilepsy affect thousands of Cameroonians, so having accurate knowledge of these disorders becomes of paramount importance. As part of our activities to commemorate Brain Awareness Week, we organized a one-week campaign to unravel the mysteries surrounding brain disorders, shedding light on their underlying mechanisms, potential causes, and possible treatments, ultimately paving the way for early detection and treatment.

Brain Awareness Week is an international campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of brain research and promoting brain health. It aims to educate the public about the incredible capabilities of the brain and the impact of neurological disorders. This week-long event brings together scientists, educators, and advocates to share knowledge and engage in discussions on brain-related topics. Through various activities and events, Brain Awareness Week encourages individuals to take care of their brain health and supports efforts towards finding new treatments for neurological conditions.
Using educative videos and posters with brain images, students were instructed on the structure and function of the brain, highlighting its importance and habits that promote brain health. The interactive nature of the activities allowed students to explore the different brain regions and their corresponding functions, enhancing their understanding of the brain’s complexity. Additionally, the posters with brain images provided visual aids that reinforced the information, making it easier for students to grasp and retain knowledge about brain health.

We conducted pre- and post-interventional surveys to determine the difference in students’ knowledge and attitudes towards brain health before and after participating in the workshops. The results showed a significant increase in both knowledge and positive attitudes, indicating that the campaign successfully educated and inspired students to prioritize their brain health. Additionally, we received positive feedback from teachers who noticed improved engagement and enthusiasm among their students during classroom discussions on brain-related topics. that the activities had an impact on the level of knowledge on brain and brain disorders among the participants. The Dana Foundation and the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) jointly funded the campaign with the Brain Awareness Week Grant.