LASG Rallies Support For Epileptic Patients

6 October, 2020

A call has gone out to the general public to give necessary support to persons suffering from epileptic ailments and desist from the act of discriminating against people with hereditary medical conditions, especially diseases that are not self-imposed.

The Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Segun Dawodu, who made the call while declaring open a virtual training programme organised by the Ministry for social workers and caregivers, themed “Sensitisation and Training the Trainers on Epilepsy and Its Management”, opined that people with epileptic diseases suffer much stigma and discrimination, hence the need for a change of mindset towards them.

He said it is a well-known fact that Epilepsy is like any other hereditary disease that affects people of all ages, stressing that it is not infectious and calling for a stop to the stigmatisation and discrimination against victims of the terrible ailment.

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The Commissioner averred that the virtual training is designed to create awareness and also train social workers and caregivers on how to handle people suffering from epilepsy, noting that this is necessary because of their huge roles in managing and caring for sufferers.

Dawodu, therefore, urged the participants to make judicious use of the training opportunity, adding that the facilitators selected for the programme are specialists in their field with years of experience about the disease.

In her contribution at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs. Yewande Falugba, stated that the awareness programme is to further enhance the knowledge of social workers and caregivers for proper handling of epilepsy cases.

Affirming that the wellbeing of citizens is vital for improved productivity, Mrs. Falugba maintained that the virtual training programme will be rewarding to participants as seasoned experts in the field of neuropsychology will discuss important issues about epilepsy disease.

Also speaking at the training programme, a leading Consultant Neurologist in the State, Dr. Seyi Roberts applauded the Lagos State Government for its efforts in creating awareness about the disease, stressing that it will go a long way in nullifying all erroneous beliefs and misconceptions people have about the disease.

The Chief Executive Officer of Mary Special Needs Foundation, Mrs. Adedoyin Oseni expressed optimism that participants will benefit from the experience garnered by her organisation through its dedication to creating awareness on the causes, prevention and management of epilepsy, among others.