As part of activities to mark this year’s World Epilepsy Awareness Day, the Child and Adolescent Unit, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Benin City on Wednesday held a seminar on psychosocial implications of childhood epilepsy.
The event with the theme “Step up Against Stigma” was held at the School of Psychiatry Nursing, Benin City and had in attendance medical practitioners across Edo State.
Epilepsy Awareness Day also known as Purple Day is an annual observance day celebrated worldwide on the 26th of March. The celebration is meant to create awareness of epilepsy and dispel the myths surrounding the neurological disorder.
The Host and Chief Medical Director, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Benin City, Dr. Imafidon Agbonile, represented by the Head of Clinical Services, Dr. Joyce Omoaregbe, in his welcome address, emphasised on the avoidance of stigmatisation and discrimination against persons with epilepsy.
Speaker at the event, Chief Consultant Psychiatrist, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Benin City, Dr. Ehi Isa, enjoined all humanity to support children, adolescents and adults with epilepsy by improving access to epilepsy care.
Also delivering a keynote speech, Dr. Archibong Atsin, a Consultant Psychiatrist at Child and Adolescent Unit, spoke on the importance of stepping up against stigma of epilepsy patients. Some of the medical practitioners present at the event shared their views on the importance of the seminar.
In accordance with best global practices, people are invited to wear purple, host and participants at the events that support epilepsy awareness.
This year’s Purple Day enjoyed partnership with Miconova Pharmaceutical, SUN Pharmaceutical and the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) Edo State Chapter.
Dispeling myths surrounding neurological disorder
