Fighting Epilepsy Stigma in Kenya - Eddie Chengo, Ruaraka Uhai Neema Hospital, Kenya
Epileptologist Eddie Chengo from Kenya discusses the stigma faced by people affected by epilepsy in Africa, explaining that around 75% of people with epilepsy in the region experience stigma and emphasising the importance of addressing this whilst implementing medical treatment. Eddie also shares the various initiatives and research projects his organisation is undertaking to raise awareness and challenge the stigma associated with epilepsy.
Please do know that although this episode does include some positivity and a giggle at one point, it also contains subjects that may be triggering for some people - including, at one point, the ending of one's life. We choose to include this because this is the real world for some people affected by the epilepsies. If you are feeling fragile or if this could be triggering for you in ANY way, please do not watch/listen to/read this episode instead and check out another that’ll be more cheery - such as…the one with Mark Cook about the Huge Advances In EEG Monitoring & Analysis!
Reported by Torie Robinson | Edited and produced by Carrot Cruncher Media.
Podcast
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Eddie is an experienced Epilepsy specialist who has worked for approximately two decades in epilepsy care and research. He has extensive hands-on medical experience and expertise in research and diagnostics and has taken a keen interest in epilepsy care.
His professional background is in Clinical Medicine, and he has furthered his studies to become a holder of a Master of Science in Epilepsy Practice.
Eddie currently works with Foundation for People with Epilepsy, Kenya where he leads epilepsy projects of the organization and heads the Clinical department. He is also the Assistant Chairperson of the National Epilepsy Coordination Committee (NECC) where he actively contributes to the development and implementation of strategies to enhance epilepsy care nationwide.
Eddies’ passion lies in the care of patients with epilepsy in resource-limited countries in Africa, advocating for their rights and writes epilepsy informational materials for parents and children
He is a co-author in epidemiological studies of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa and engages in epilepsy research focusing on combating stigma associated with epilepsy in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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LinkedIn: eddie-chengo
ResearchGate: Eddie-Chengo
Epilepsy Pathway Innovation in Africa: epina.web.ox.ac.uk/kenya
Foundation for People With Epilepsy: fpecentre.org
Epilepsy Kenya: dr-eddie-chengo-vice-chairperson
ResearchGate: Eddie-Chengo
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ResearchGate: Eddie-Chengo