The Gambia Epilepsy Association, on Tuesday, organised a press briefing at its headquarters in Serrekunda to sensitise journalists about epilepsy. Speaking at the briefing, Anthony Zimba, the executive secretary of the International Bureau of Epilepsy said that epilepsy is a condition and not a disease. He added that, most people think that epilepsy is caused by a demon, or is an African disease and has to be treated with local medicine.

“Epilepsy has many causes. Some are caused by infection in the brain and others are genetic and when one has the condition, it has to be diagnosed at the hospital and by a doctor,” he said.

Anthony Zimba also stated that their mission to The Gambia is to meet journalists, governments, health practitioners and the community at large, to see how they can come up with a campaign strategy against epilepsy in The Gambia.

For her part, Tanya Spensley, the patron of the Gambia Epilepsy Association said that her association’s objective is to help people suffering from epilepsy and bring them together so that they can have better treatment. She assured them of their continued commitment to render the services as expected.