By: Staff reporter: nimbad9tv2018@gmail.com, ceo@onenimbahouse.com, +231778070604
Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Health District, Liberia: – Epilepsy, is a chronic noncommunicable brain disease, that affects around 50 million people globally, with approximately half of these individuals residing in Africa. Liberia, a developing country that has faced years of civil war, Ebola, and COVID-19, is no exception to the challenges posed by this condition. In the Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Health District, one of the six health districts in Nimba County, epilepsy is particularly prevalent in the Blinlon Administrative District.
The Struggle in Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Health District
In the Blinlon Administrative District, epilepsy significantly impacts the community. Out of at least 300 individuals affected, 80% are females. The Boyee Clinic, which serves patients from its catchment communities and Rivercess County, has registered 158 patients. Kwendin Clinic, serving patients from Tappita and nearby areas, has at least 10 patients. Zahnzayee’s two clinics report 43 patients, Zekepa Health Center and Maternal Waiting Home have 44 patients, and Mehnla Clinic has at least 10 patients, totaling 265 registered patients. These numbers reflect those brave enough to seek help, despite the stigma associated with epilepsy in their communities.
With challenging roads, bad bridges, and the courage to cross rivers, the team of volunteers remained truly focused on serving their fellow citizens.
The Work of Help Minimize Epilepsy in Liberia
Help Minimize Epilepsy in Liberia, a volunteer-driven organization, is dedicated to supporting epilepsy patients in this region. Through fundraising and community outreach, the organization has made significant strides. Over the weekend, the campaigners celebrated Liberia’s 177th Independence Day by supplying 5,500 carbamazepine 200mg tablets to Clinicians for distribution to clients at various health facilities. Some clients traveled up to eight hours to receive their medication, free of charge, for the third time with lots of success stories and call for more medication to avoid relapse.
Phase-III Campaign: “Milestones on My Recovery Journey”
The Phase-III campaign, themed “Milestones on My Recovery Journey,” had a profound impact, with numerous testimonies from clients. One client expressed their gratitude, stating, “Since you people started supplying this medication, I have not had a seizure, and we pray that God can empower you to get the medicine monthly, enabling us to be well among our friends again because people hate us in our communities.”
Community Support and Recognition
Andrew Larmie, Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Statutory Development Officer who spoke for and on behalf of Nimba County Electoral District Nine Representative Taa Z. Wongbe, along with local leaders and stakeholders, praised the volunteers for their efforts in minimizing epilepsy’s impact. They urged patients to adhere to their medication schedules and called on the community to stop stigmatizing those affected by epilepsy. Andrew Larmie thanked the volunteers for their dedication. Helena Weh-Johnson, Officer-In-Charge at Zekepa Health Center & Maternal Waiting Home, assured that the medications will be used appropriately and highlighted the pressing need for continued health activities in this remote part of Liberia.
Gratitude and Acknowledgments
Help Minimize Epilepsy in Liberia runs its pilot program through social media fundraisers. Phase III was conducted in memory of the Late Prof. Johnson N. Gwaikiolo, and the organization expressed gratitude to numerous contributors, including:
- MacArthur Mackie Kehyee, IT Officer, and Bosses from MNG Gold
- Cem Koray Yagci, Former General Manager at MNG Gold
- Bedirhan Pir, Former Paramedic at MNG Gold
- Elder Arthur Kehyee
- Aagon Gwaikolo
- Mr. Micheal Land and Pauline Wonzon Land
- Laura Bee Kiekpo/Women Empowerment Forum Liberia-WEFL
- Frank Kehyee
- Franklin Kehyee
- Matthew S. Dwanyen
- Her Majesty Irene B. Karbah
- Anna Jackson
- Oscar Blairsue
- Spencer Tongor
- Victoria M. Dennis
- The One Nimba House Media Inc (Nimba D-9 TV)
- John Braham
- Marcus Dahn and family
- Edmund C. Gbarwee
- Pharmacist Joseph Saye Quoi,
- The fourth estate, including all motorcyclists and volunteers, helped to make Phase III a success.
Lead Campaigner Edmund C. Gbarwee, Diaspora Chairperson Pauline Wonzon Land, Liberia Chairperson Antonettee Lapue Johnson, and Lead Consultant Pharmacist Joseph Saye Quoi extended their thanks to all supporters and emphasized the ongoing need for sustainable solutions to help epilepsy clients achieve wellness.
