The Executive Director for the Epilepsy Association of Sierra Leone, Max Bangura, has said on Wednesday November 4, 2020, that the association does not have regular funds to purchase drugs, and does not receive funding from government.
He made this statement on Wednesday during a two-day training held to capacitate Community Health Workers in dealing with epilepsy cases at their various communities.
Bangura said that because epilepsy medicines are not part of the medical supply packages from the Government of Sierra Leone, the Association has facilitated partnership with a United Kingdom based charitable organization called Medical Assistance Sierra Leone (MASL) which has been supporting the Association with funds to purchase epilepsy medicine.
“The Pharmacy Board only provides us with Medical Licenses, which we send to Dublin. Thereafter MASL would facilitate the production of Epilepsy medicines by the manufacturers. In producing the medicine it has to take more than four month before we can receive the medical supply,” Bangura added.
He revealed that just few days ago they have received medical consignment from MASL to be distributed to patients, adding that by distributing the medicines patients would not lack in their required medication which would hamper their routine.
Bangura cited that the association is understaffed to deal with the number of Epilepsy patients across the country, attributing it to insufficient funding, adding that challenges in funding has caused them to employ only nine workers. He added that the Association pays NASSIT, rents and office space for staff.
“Funding support from government is not forthcoming. We depend solely on charitable organization for funding,” he said.
He mentioned that if they are able to receive the required funding they would embark in the training of teachers to handle students suffering with epilepsy, providing seedlings for person with Epilepsy who are involve in Agriculture.
Consultant Pediatric Neurologist at the Ministry of Health and Sanitations, Dr. Alhaji A. Jalloh said that the approach in management of Epilepsy in children has been very challenging because most health workers lack the basic knowledge as to what particular Epilepsy medicines that should be given to children.
He noted that there is a difference in dealing with Epilepsy in adults and children, adding that the brain of a child is different from that of an adult therefore, health workers should be particular in the manner in which they would diagnose, talking to and administering medication to children.
“In our health system the management of Epilepsy is not integral; therefore it is not a priority currently for the Ministry of Health,’’ he said.
He revealed that with the country’s poor maternal healthcare, children encounter brain damage during birth, thus causing them to suffer from Epilepsy as they grow.
‘’These children stay at home with their parents with Epilepsy and other disabilities, because the resources are not available even in providing them with drugs is a huge challenge,’’ Jalloh said.
By George M.O. Williams
5/11/2020. ISSUE NO: 7944