Uganda: Stigma, Ignorance Hinder Anti-Epilepsy Fight in Arua

27 October 2011

Arua — Myths, misconceptions and stigma among epileptic patients in Arua District has resulted in little attention being given to the disease.

Ms Gloria Anguyo, a 36-year-old epileptic in Odupi Sub-county in Terego County, Arua District, says she had aggravated the situation due to the myth that treatment for epilepsy with modern medicines is ineffective and expensive. "I visited witchdoctors and they gave me onions to sniff for three months and there is no change, I am just living at the mercy of God because I am like a social outcast," she said.

...

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.