By Chioma Umeha
A consultant Physician/Neurologist and
Epileptologist, Dr. Olusola Talabi, has advocated synergy among the three tiers
of government in the country in tackling the scourge of people living with
epilepsy so as to have a society free from epilepsy.
Dr. Talabi stated this at the event commemorating
the 2017 International Epilepsy Day, held at Health Suites, Abeokuta, the Ogun
State capital.
The Epileptologist expert also said the Day was to
continue seeking awareness and educate the general public on the true facts
about epilepsy and the urgent need for improved treatment, better care and
greater investment in research.
He said epilepsy persists, making many people
reluctant to talk about it, adding that reluctance leads to lives lived in the
shadows, discrimination in workplaces and communities, saying that nothing stop
people associating with people living with epilepsy.
Dr. Talabi said lack of funding for new therapies
research for people with the ailment, misconception and discrimination could be
more difficult to overcome the disease and the seizure it selves.
He then called on the three tiers of government to
live up to expectation and maximize their potentials in reducing the scourge of
the diseases in the country, nothing that much negligence from government make
the ailment increases drastically.
Also, a consultant at Neuro-psychiatric Hospital,
Aro, Abeokuta, Dr. Niran Okewole, said that about 65million people around the
world living with epilepsy which widely believes that was curable.
Dr. Okewole maintained that 4 to 10 out 1,000
people on earth living with active seizures at any one time, adding that
one-third of people living with epilepsy live uncontrollable seizure because no
available treatment works for them.
He also admitted that for 6 out of 10 people
living with ailment known no cause of diseases, urging quick intervention of
all level government to combat the incessant causes of the disease in order to
have a society free of epilepsy diseases.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State
Hospital Management Board, Dr. Adesanya Ayinde, represented by Dr. Omolara
Jokodola appreciated Health Suites Management for the programme, saying that
making the day a memorable would provide a platform for people living epilepsy
to share their experiences and stories with a global audience.
He then advocated for appropriate legislation that
would guarantee human rights of the people living with epilepsy and encourages
them to live to their fullest potential.
