Our Journey in Tharaka Nithi

The Kenya Association for the Welfare of Epileptics (KAWE) conducted an IGAP and SRHR outreach programme in Tharaka Nithi County from 8th–10th June 2022, aimed at strengthening community awareness, health system capacity, and advocacy on epilepsy and reproductive health. The programme trained chiefs, Community Health Volunteers, Traditional Birth Attendants, and Primary Health Care Providers on epilepsy management, IGAP 2022–2031, stigma reduction, adolescent sexual and reproductive health rights, menstrual health management, and maternal health. KAWE also engaged the media, conducted advocacy training, and carried out large-scale awareness sessions in prisons and secondary schools, reaching community members, inmates, and students, while strengthening referral systems and local commitment to IGAP implementation.

KAWE also visited the Tharaka Nithi County Assembly on 26th April 2023 as part of its bottom-up IGAP advocacy efforts in Kenya, engaging Members of the County Assembly on the burden of epilepsy, the epilepsy treatment gap, and the role of MCAs in legislation, budgeting, representation, and oversight for neurological disorders.