People who suffer from epilepsy in our society are still being stigmatized for their condition. Most epilepsy patients would do anything and everything to change their condition; often times their desperation lead them into the wrong hands. RISE Clinic Nigeria, a nonprofit organization located in Agulu-Nnobi, Adazi-Ani, Anambra State, has expressed commitment in helping persons suffering from epilepsy both medically and psychologically.
“I told Dr. Zusman about the medical missions I had taken to my home country since 2007 to bring medical services to villages that had no access to care,” explained John. “She replied immediately that she wanted to help.” Dr. Zusman is an international expert on epilepsy, so they decided to focus on this disease, which is widely untreated in Africa. “Most villagers believe it is a form of witchcraft,” said John. “Epileptics are shunned by society and forbidden to marry or to even hold jobs. Many people in Africa still believe that epilepsy is the result of some crime committed by their ancestors or the result of a voodoo spell.”
In July 2013, the group arrived in Adazi-Ani: Dr. Zusman with her teenage son Adam and John Obegolu with his teenage daughter Adaora, and five neuroscience nurses who paid their own way and volunteered for two weeks...
