By: Edmund C. Gbarwee – Public Health Practitioner, helpminimizeeepilepsyinliberia@gmail.com, nimbad9tv2018@gmail.com, +231886693625

Liberia: – In a powerful show of compassion and commitment, H.E. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of Liberia, has stepped up to address the urgent needs of citizens affected by epilepsy. His recent donation of crucial epileptic medication, in collaboration with the E&J Foundation to Help Minimize Epilepsy in Liberia Campaigners in support of their initiative across health facilities in Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Health District, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing fight to minimize the impact of epilepsy in Liberia and reduce its associated stigma.

Pharmacist Joseph Saye Quoi, Lead Consultant for Help Minimize Epilepsy in Liberia appreciated H. E. Vice President Koung for this very timely donation and assured that they will be used for its intended purposes as a way of enhancing the collective efforts that the campaigners have started three years ago voluntarily.

Chairperson Antonette Johnson for and on behalf of her and the Diaspora Chairperson Pauline Wonzon Land thanked and assured the Vice President and team that this collaboration will go a long way and has sent a stronger message which is good for the country as a way of citizens caring for each other no matter their conditions and status. She also thanked campaigners including Edmund C. Gbarwee who deeply thought about those people can see as nothing in society in designing a program to care for and support them.

A Personal Journey of Advocacy

Vice President Koung’s passion for this cause is deeply personal. “I know the stigma associated with epilepsy, as my daughter suffered from it,” he shared during a meeting with campaigners from Help Minimize Epilepsy in Liberia at his residence. His heartfelt acknowledgment of the challenges faced by those with epilepsy ranging from societal stigma to a lack of medical care drives his determination to create sustainable solutions. “We will, by his grace, collectively work to make this program sustainable and also help implement the SDGs,” he emphasized.

In Liberia, a significant and collective engagement is underway as campaigners unite to Help Minimize Epilepsy, supported fervently by H.E. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, the Vice President of Liberia including other citizens here in Liberia and in the diaspora who have since started supporting Help Minimize Epilepsy in Liberia Campaigners their social media fundraisers.  Drawing from the personal experience of his daughter who struggles with epilepsy, Vice President Koung has become a passionate advocate for this initiative, highlighting the urgent need for awareness, care, and support for citizens and their families grappling with this condition.

The Economic Burden on Families

Epilepsy, a condition often shrouded in stigma and myth, places an overwhelming economic burden on affected families. Parents and guardians face not only the emotional toll of caring for loved ones but also significant financial challenges. The costs associated with medication, frequent medical visits, and the stigma that leads to social isolation can devastate family resources. In regions like the Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Health District, particularly the Blinlon Administrative District, many families live in poverty, making access to essential health care nearly impossible. The Help Minimize Epilepsy in Liberia initiative aims to address these hardships by providing crucial support, but the fight is far from over though excited that H. E. Vice President Koung can show a way of helping to reduce the stigma around epilepsy and drive a path for a sustainable program.

The Role of Campaigners and Community Efforts

Launched in August 2020 by Public Health Practitioner Edmund C. Gbarwee and a dedicated team of campaigners, stakeholders and community members including contributors and partners like the Ministry of Health Mental Health Department with support from MSF,Nimba County Electoral District Nine 54th Law-Maker now Late Prof. Johnson N. Gwaikolo, DonamiSport, Women Empowerment Forum Liberia-WEFL, SAMBLET-LIBERIA, Nimba County Health Team Mental Health Coordinator, Yarwin Mehnsonnoh District Health Team, and the media, this initiative has made remarkable strides. Focusing on community-based care, they have already reached 268 clients across various health facilities, including the Boyee Clinic, Kwendin Clinic, and Zekepa Health Center. With Vice President Koung’s recent donation of medication, the campaign is set to expand its reach, ensuring that more patients receive the care they desperately need through community engagements.

The statistics are telling: at the Boyee Clinic alone, 85% of clients are women and girls, who often bear the brunt of stigma and lack of resources. Many clients have faced isolation and ridicule, wrongly labeled as “witches” due to the misunderstandings surrounding epilepsy. This initiative not only provides medical care but also actively works to dismantle the myths that exacerbate the challenges faced by these individuals.

A Sustainable Future

Help Minimize Epilepsy in Liberia and Vice President Koung’s vision for a sustainable program aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3, which emphasizes ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all. As he remarked during a meeting with campaigners, “We will, by His grace, collectively work to make this program sustainable.” His commitment to combating stigma and supporting those affected by epilepsy is a critical step towards fostering a healthier, more inclusive society.

Through the use of social media and local outreach via platforms like The One Nimba House Media Inc (Nimba D-9 TV) and Radio Voice of Yarwin Mehnsonnoh including other media entities, the campaign continues to raise awareness and funds, bringing hope to many who feel marginalized and alone. The motto “THERE IS STILL HOPE” encapsulates the campaign’s mission and reflects the resilience of those involved.

The fight against epilepsy in Liberia is a testament to the power of community and leadership. With the unwavering support of H.E. Vice President Koung and dedicated campaigners, there is a growing movement aimed at providing essential care and support for those affected by epilepsy. Together, they strive to not only change lives but also shift the societal perceptions surrounding this condition, paving the way for a brighter future where every individual can live without fear of stigma or the conditions they are faced with.