The National Epilepsy Association of Malawi will embark on a 315km walk from Blantyre to Lilongwe on the 4th of February, 2023. This is to raise awareness of the disease, end stigma towards it, and raise funds to support people living with it.

The walk is part of the preparation for International Epilepsy Day to be commemorated on the 13th of February at Ntchisi. Epilepsy week starts on the 7th of February and the walk falls within the epilepsy week.

National coordinator, Chifundo Zamadunga-Phiri said “The main target of this entire event is to raise funds in order to support 50+ million people living with epilepsy globally and to end stigma as well as to raise awareness on epilepsy due to the increase in the number of people suffering from the disease,” 

She also said that during this week, they support people living with epilepsy through different activities that include creating support groups, providing drugs, monitoring epilepsy clinics, and training them on capacity building and advocacy. She added, “we are training people with epilepsy on how to be economically empowered by supporting them in their different businesses and farming”.

The walk will consist of eight walkers; four men and four women. One of the walkers, Moses Sakala said it is very relevant to participate in the event saying awareness of epilepsy is essential and he is proud to be part of the event. He went on to state how the contribution is a symbol that people should know more about epilepsy and that people with epilepsy face many problems like stigma. “Through this walk, I want to help to eradicate the challenges that these people are facing and I am hoping to put stigma and other challenges to an end.” he continued.

He further expressed how prepared he was to complete the long walk as he anticipates that the number of people living with epilepsy will decrease due to such awareness and the funds they will raise will help fight against stigma.