Epilepsy South Africa aims to create public awareness through fun and challenging activities; the public is encouraged to participate by baking and icing a cupcake, taking a picture of it, sharing it on the organisation's social media sites and getting friends to vote for their entry. One can also show one's support by wearing something red on the day.
The main aim of National Epilepsy Week is to raise awareness about epilepsy to dispel the myths and social stigmas attached to the condition. Limited public understanding of the condition contributes to stigmatisation through negative attitudes towards people with epilepsy. Such stigmatisation leads to discrimination and can have a negative effect on seizure control and thus the quality of life of people with epilepsy.
"National Epilepsy Week focuses on educating the public about the rights of people with epilepsy. We decided on this theme to encourage people to question their own attitudes about the condition as this would increase opportunities for the inclusion and integration of people with epilepsy," says Marina Clarke, National Director of Epilepsy South Africa.
For more information about Epilepsy South Africa and National Epilepsy Week, contact the organisation on 0860 EPILEPSY (0860 374 537) or visit www.epilepsy.org.za.
