Epilepsy burden in Kenya rises amid new research insights

Epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder marked by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, affects about 50 million people globally, according to the World Health Organization. In Kenya, an estimated one to two million people are living with the condition. Kenya breaking news | Kenya ne..

✨ Key Highlights

The burden of Epilepsy in Kenya is rising, with new research indicating the condition is more widespread than previously thought and a significant portion of those affected remain undiagnosed and untreated.

An estimated 1-2 million people in Kenya live with Epilepsy, with up to 80% untreated.
New insights from the Epilepsy Pathway Innovation in Africa project, involving the WHO, Kenya's Ministry of Health, and the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, reveal that many cases lack visible seizures.
Efforts are underway to expand research and interventions, including training healthcare workers and preventing avoidable causes like birth-related brain injuries, aiming to prevent 30% of the burden.