National Epilepsy Centre, JPMC with Epilepsy Association of Pakistan, Pakistan Chapter of International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and Epilepsy Support Pakistan, Full Chapter of International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), held a press conference at Port Grand, earlier today. This landmark event marked a unified initiative to launch February 28th as National Epilepsy Day and designate February as National Epilepsy Awareness Month.
The press meet was graced by the Mayor of Karachi, Mr. Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui as the Chief Guest and Ms. Nadia Jamil, a celebrated actor and an individual living with epilepsy, as the Guest of Honour.
Dr Zarine Mogal & Ms. Shanaz Ramzi, senior office bearers of these associations highlighted the significance and the relevance of earmarking February 28th as National Epilepsy Day. It marks the birth anniversary of Abdul Sattar Edhi Sahib, Pakistan’s most renowned humanitarian who also lived with epilepsy . Recognizing this day as National Epilepsy Day is a conscious initiative aimed to celebrate people with epilepsy, who with their resilience and determination and the support of the society can achieve great heights despite epilepsy. Along with this, marking February as Epilepsy Awareness month would further substantiate awareness activities held to celebrate the International Epilepsy Day, on the second Monday of February.
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 2001, these organizations have been working in tandem tirelessly to challenge misconceptions and improve public understanding of epilepsy’s treatability, significantly changing societal attitudes and offering holistic management and improving the management strategies. However, deeply rooted myths and inadequate awareness still 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. Celebration of the epilepsy focal events with an awareness month shall add to the momentum of epilepsy awareness and be a landmark achievement in highlighting and addressing the needs of the afflicted, inspiring the affected and their caretakers, and highlighting caregivers’ role in improving outcomes and reducing stigma.
Dr Zarine Mogal said this initiative will strengthen Pakistan’s commitment to health equity and inclusivity for marginalized communities. Whilst the initiative begins from the city today, the health ministry Govt of Pakistan has been approached for their endorsement. She requested every person from all walks of life to join hands to inspire hope, foster understanding, and create a supportive environment for 2.2 million people living with epilepsy in Pakistan.
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. 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.
