[PRESSWIRE] Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – 10th February, 2026 – 10 February, 2026 — Tanzania has made significant strides in reducing the risk of epilepsy-related deaths, with the national mortality rate dropping from six percent to four percent in recent years.
The Tanzania Epilepsy Association (TEA) attributes this improvement to a combination of increased public awareness, better access to healthcare, and targeted educational campaigns aimed at patients and their families. As part of ongoing efforts to mark International Epilepsy Day, which falls today, and a week-long awareness campaign that began on February 5, 2026, health officials continue to push for greater community understanding of epilepsy.
Speaking during the campaign in Dar es Salaam, Dr. Patience Njenje, a neurologist at Muhimbili National Hospital, emphasised the importance of educating the public about epilepsy and the significance of seeking treatment. “We are working hard to raise awareness about the disease and ensure that people understand the need to seek medical treatment at hospitals,” Dr. Njenje said.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with community programmes, professional organisations such as TEA, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the Parents of Children with Epilepsy in Tanzania (POCET), has intensified its efforts to reduce the incidence of epilepsy and increase awareness.
Dr. Njenje also noted that epilepsy is increasingly affecting young people, particularly those aged 15 years and above, with accidents, especially motorbike (bodaboda) crashes, being a common cause. Head injuries sustained during these accidents can result in lasting brain damage, which often leads to the onset of epilepsy.
Rising epidemic in Tanzania and Africa
Dr. Njenje cited global statistics to highlight the prevalence of epilepsy, noting that over 60 million people worldwide are living with the condition. In Africa, the burden is particularly heavy, with an estimated 20 to 58 people per 1,000 affected. “Tanzania is among the countries with the highest number of epilepsy patients in Africa,” she said. “In some villages in Mahenge District, for example, there are as many as 37 cases per 1,000 people.”
In total, more than one million Tanzanians live with epilepsy. Dr. Njenje further revealed that 60 percent of deaths among epilepsy patients are directly caused by the disease itself, and over 25 percent suffer long-term disabilities due to falls during seizures.
Despite the progress, Dr. Njenje expressed concern over the persistent stigma surrounding epilepsy. “More than 36 percent of people still believe that epilepsy is caused by dark forces, while 50 percent think it is contagious,” she said. Additionally, 45 percent of school-age children with epilepsy are not sent to school, further contributing to social exclusion. Even among those who do attend, only 68 percent have satisfactory attendance rates.
Dr. Njenje pointed out that societal misconceptions persist, with many epilepsy patients seeking treatment from traditional healers (75 percent) or religious leaders instead of seeking proper medical care. Alarmingly, only five to ten percent of patients receive hospital treatment in a timely manner, delaying crucial care.
Epilepsy has several known causes, including severe childhood fever, pork tapeworms (especially from undercooked pork), brain swelling, shark bites, and immune deficiencies. Dr. Njenje advised the public on proper care during seizures, stressing that patients should not be restrained or have objects placed in their mouths during an episode. After the seizure, the patient should be placed safely on their left side, in a safe and clear environment.
She also emphasised that people with epilepsy should avoid high-risk activities such as climbing trees, riding motorcycles, swimming, and driving, to prevent accidents that could lead to further injury.
Dr. Njenje called on society to end the stigma against people living with epilepsy. “Anyone can develop epilepsy, and everyone is a potential patient,” she said. “It is crucial that we educate and support those affected, so they can live full, productive lives.”
· Tanzania’s epilepsy-related mortality rate has declined from 6% to 4% in recent years, according to the Tanzania Epilepsy Association (TEA).
· The announcement coincides with International Epilepsy Day (February 10) and a national awareness campaign running from February 5–10, 2026.
· More than one million Tanzanians are estimated to be living with epilepsy.
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