Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain. When someone has epilepsy, they have a tendency to have seizures. Epilepsy can start at any age and there are many different types. For many people epilepsy is a life-long condition, but one that can often successfully be treated with medication.

However, the World Health Organization estimates that of the 10 million people in Africa who live with epilepsy, 80% are not treated with medication. This can be because medication is not readily available, but it can also be because epilepsy is understood to have a supernatural cause or is considered a sign of demonic possession.

As a result, epilepsy has a profound effect on the physical health of people with the condition, but can also affect their psychological wellbeing, life chances, and social acceptance, with serious consequences for their families.

Olivia Barker White, the CEO of Kids Club Kampala in Uganda, shared the story of Simon, a boy with epilepsy who had been mistreated because of the stigma and superstition that surrounds this condition in Uganda. Epilepsy is often understood as demonic possession, a sign of witchcraft, or is considered contagious.

We worked together with Kids Club Kampala to produce a sketch up animation that the organization is using for advocacy and education.