The launched initiative aims to strengthen epilepsy care and support for people with neurological disorders. Photo from Amref Africa
Amref Health Africa- Tanzania (Amref), in collaboration with the government of Tanzania through the Ministry of Health, is working on a transformative initiative to strengthen epilepsy care and support for people with neurological disorders.
The project, branded “Enhancing Epilepsy Care in Africa (EECA), was officially launched in Dodoma, targeting Bahi and Chamwino districts as pilot districts for scalable, community-based epilepsy care.
The three-year project, running from January 1, 2025, to December 30, 2027, is funded by the BAND Foundation and supported by the UCB Innovation for Health Equity Fund.
The project targets the General public, People with epilepsy, Parents, caregivers, families of people with epilepsy, community influencers, health care providers, and policymakers.
The initiative aligns directly with Amref Tanzania’s programmes focusing on Strengthening Health Systems (HSS) and Empowering Communities to achieve sustainable, people-centered healthcare.
Through early diagnosis, improved treatment, health worker training, and grassroots anti-stigma campaigns, the project aims to improve health outcomes and social inclusion for People with Epilepsy (PWE) and their families.
“The EECA project is a pivotal step in advancing Amref’s mission to strengthen health systems and empower communities,” said Dr Aisa Muya, Director of Programmes at Amref Tanzania.
“By embedding epilepsy care into Tanzania’s primary healthcare system, we are not only improving medical access but also promoting long-term community resilience and ownership. This model reflects our broader HSS strategy investing in human resources, data, service delivery, and community leadership to build more inclusive and equitable healthcare.”
Officiating the launch, Acting Director of Curativ Services, Ministry of Health, Dr Winifrida Kidima, emphasised the national significance of the project.
“This initiative marks a turning point in how we respond to neurological disorders like epilepsy,” said Dr Kidima.
“We must work together to break the silence and stigma, and ensure that every Tanzanian, regardless of condition, has access to the healthcare and community support they need.”
The EECA project will be rolled out within the framework of Tanzania’s primary healthcare system, ensuring long-term sustainability, institutional ownership, and policy alignment.
A central feature will be its anti-stigma campaigns, community mobilisation, and training of healthcare providers, community health workers (CHWs), caregivers, and local influencers.
Expected Outcomes Include:
- Increased policy and institutional prioritisation of epilepsy and neurological conditions.
- Improved community awareness and reduced stigma.
- Strengthened prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment pathways.
- Enhanced collection and use of scientific and routine health data to guide policy and resource allocation.
- Reduce the epilepsy treatment gap.
Despite affecting millions worldwide, epilepsy often remains hidden due to stigma and misconceptions surrounding epilepsy, especially in low-resource settings.
People with epilepsy in Tanzania often face barriers not just in health access, but in education, employment, and social life.
By placing people and communities at the heart of its strategy, the EECA project aims to change this narrative, offering not only improved care but also a renewed sense of dignity, inclusion, and opportunity.
About Amref Health Africa Tanzania
Amref Health Africa Tanzania (Amref Tanzania) is a locally registered non-governmental organisation under the Non-Governmental Organisations Amref Health Africa.
Amref Health Africa has been in existence since 1957 and actively engaged in addressing medical and surgical services, including community outreach interventions as well as related research studies, as the Flying Doctors Service of East Africa.
About the BAND Foundation
The BAND Foundation is a US-based private family foundation that provides grants supporting nature conservation and epilepsy care.
It focuses on backing visionary individuals and institutions, promoting science-based solutions, and catalyzing additional funding.
The foundation operates in a collaborative, adaptive, and risk-tolerant manner, aiming to drive impactful and sustainable change in the fields it supports.
About the UCB Innovation for Health Equity Fund
The UCB Innovation for Health Equity Fund supports improving access to epilepsy care in low- and middle-income countries.
It focuses on reducing stigma, raising awareness, strengthening health systems, and empowering people with epilepsy and their families.
