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Chifundo Epilepsy Foundation Leads the Fight Against Stigma and Discrimination in Malawi
Chifundo Epilepsy Foundation, a registered non-governmental charity organization, is committed to improving the lives of people affected by epilepsy in Malawi, writes Happy Valirani.
Malawi-Chifundo Epilepsy Foundation, a registered non-governmental charity organization, is committed to improving the lives of people affected by epilepsy in Malawi, writes Happy Valirani.
The foundation seeks to help individuals with epilepsy develop their full potential by removing the stigma and discrimination associated with the condition and providing unique integrated healthcare and education services.
Chifundo Petro, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, stated that the organization was founded to help people with epileptic conditions live better life.
"Epilepsy is an invisible disability, and it is not well understood by many people in Malawi, which leads to stigma, discrimination, and accusations of witchcraft," disclosed Petro in an interview with AfricaBrief.
The centre, which was established in 2019 and located in Goma village, Traditional Authority Ngabu in Chikwawa District, conducts assessments, and treatment, and enhances learning support programs.
According to Petro, the centre has assisted over four hundred people who are epileptic, with two hundred of those being school-going children who have now been integrated into schools.
Yamikani Butao and James Mikolasi, both epileptics and beneficiaries of Chifundo Foundation's support, are shining examples.
They have gone three years without having any epileptic seizures, thanks to the assistance they received from the foundation. Yamikani, who learns at Saindi primary school in Chikwawa, is now back in school pursuing his dreams.
The foundation's efforts have not only helped individuals with epilepsy manage their condition, but they have also supported teachers who are epileptic to manage their condition while carrying out their duties.
John Micheus Mthempheya, a standard one teacher at Goma primary school in Chikwawa District, began receiving seizure treatment at the centre in May 2021.
He attests that his condition has improved since he began treatment at the centre.
"I started going to Chifundo epilepsy centre in May 2021, and since then, the only time I have had a seizure was last year in July, but all this time from 2021, I can say am improving. I do encourage my friends who have similar conditions, especially here in Chikwawa, to get registered with this organization and be assisted,” said Mthepheya.
Dalitso Itaye Shire, one of the nurses at the centre, said that most epileptic persons are not well taken care of and cannot do anything on their own because of the misconceptions that are there towards them.
She thanked Chifundo Petro for the initiative, which helps those with epilepsy find help. She always feels the joy to see that people are living seizure-free lives through the medication they receive.
“Our role as nurses is to educate them on their potential in life, administer medication, and respond to their various questions and concerns. We make them understand that a person with epilepsy is like any other person and can accomplish anything in life. We also encourage them to continue taking their medication, because the more they take the medication, the less seizure they will have," said Itaye.
Despite financial challenges, Chifundo Epilepsy Foundation continues to provide critical support to those with epilepsy in Malawi.
The founder of the organization noted that they face financial challenges as they struggle to pay the nurses at the centre. Still, he was quick to say that they have well-wishers who come in every now and then to support them.