Medicin Sans Frontieres (MSF), an organisation that supports epileptic patients in Homa Bay is exploring the introduction of alternative medications to reduce patient costs and ease their financial burden.
Access to affordable epilepsy treatment in the county is primarily facilitated by this organisation which is supporting approximately 190 patients in addressing their medical needs.
MSF Project Coordinator Bright Mukhuna highlighted that MSF is advocating for decentralisation of treatment to improve accessibility.
“We are moving to introduce other drugs that are affordable to help patients acquire cost effective medications, thereby saving money,” he noted.
The organisation has been offering free medication services to patients at two sub county hospitals, Marindi and Nyalkinyi.
However, to others who cannot access these facilities, managing this condition presents significant challenges in terms of drugs as the cost of medication is prohibitively high for many patients like Levina Magambo, who spends up to Sh 7,200 monthly on treatment, which she noted is half her salary working as a secretary.
Mukhuna noted that despite these efforts, barriers still remain as many patients endure stigmatisation, social isolation, limited educational opportunities, and difficulty in securing employment due to myths and misconceptions.
“Beyond financial constraints, individuals with Epilepsy face societal stigma, often being misunderstood or shunned due to myths surrounding the illness,” said the coordinator.
He highlighted the need for continued support and awareness to alleviate these struggles and ensure better quality of life for those living with the condition.
David Ouma, a patient, shared how his parents initially sought spiritual interventions rather than medical care after his diagnosis in 2018.
By Sitna Omar
