KARACHI: Epilepsy Association of Pakistan, Pakistan Chapter of International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), Epilepsy Support Pakistan, Full Chapter of International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and National Epilepsy Centre, JPMC, held a press conference at Port Grand, Karachi in connection with the National Epilepsy Day. This landmark event marked a unified initiative to designate February as National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Mayor of Karachi, Mr. Murtaza Wahab also graced the occasion with his presence as chief guest and Ms. Nadia Jamil, a celebrated actor and an individual living with epilepsy, as the Guest of Honour.
Dr Zarine Mogal & Mrs. Shanaz Ramzi, senior office bearers of these associations highlighted the significance and the relevance of earmarking February 28th as National Epilepsy Day. Recognizing this day as National Epilepsy Day is a conscious initiative as it marks the birth anniversary of Abdul Sattar Edhi Sahib, Pakistan’s most renowned humanitarian who also lived with epilepsy and vehemently championed the cause. The day is aimed at celebrating people with epilepsy, who with their resilience and determination and the support of society can achieve great heights despite epilepsy.
Along with this, marking February as Epilepsy Awareness month, they stated, would further substantiate awareness activities held to celebrate the International Epilepsy Day, (second Monday of February) and the National Epilepsy Day (28th February) and reducing stigma. They emphasized the pressing need to change the nation’s mindset about this misunderstood, highly stigmatized and neglected treatable neurological disorder that affects 1% of Pakistan’s population through continued sustained awareness campaigns. Since 1989, these organizations have been working tirelessly to challenge misconceptions and improve public understanding of epilepsy’s treatability, having significantly changed societal attitudes and offering holistic management and improving the management strategies and quality of life of the affected. However, this is not enough as the deeply rooted myths and inadequate awareness still exist and lead to stigma and marginalization for many.
Despite his epilepsy, Abdul Sattar Edhi Sahib’s tireless dedication to humanitarian work remains an enduring inspiration, demonstrating that epilepsy does not limit one’s ability to lead an extraordinary and impactful life. Similarly, Ms. Nadia Jamil’s contribution towards quality entertainment and other social causes despite having epilepsy serves as a beacon of hope for others. Many high achievers in our society live productive lives despite epilepsy but choose to remain silent due to stigma. It is time to break the silence, share their stories, and show the world they are equally capable as anyone without it.
Dr. Zarine Mogal said this initiative will strengthen Pakistan’s commitment to health equity and inclusivity for marginalized communities. Prof. Helen Cross, Dr. Francesca Sophia, and Prof. John Dunne, Presidents of ILAE, IBE, and ILAE-Asia Oceania, in their congratulatory video message, highlighted the need for country-based Epilepsy Day and Awareness Month to address the needs of people with epilepsy especially stigma. They expressed hope to see Pakistan continue advancing in their successful two and a half decades of efforts to remove stigma and improve the treatment gap in epilepsy. (PR)
