Speakers - 2026

Title: Situation analysis of epilepsy in Tanzania: Where do we stand?

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy affects approximately 50 million people globally of them 80% coming from low- and middle-income countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, factors including perinatal insults, parasitic infections and head trauma contribute to a high burden of epilepsy, including a high treatment gap. We aimed to determine the burden and resources for managing epilepsy in mainland Tanzania.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Tanzania using a document review and World Health Organization (WHO) structured tool for situational analysis.

Results:  Epilepsy is included and managed as part of the mental health spectrum. It contributes to 62.5% of all mental health illnesses (MHI) and 5% of people with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) attending outpatient departments. Only 0.3% of domestic health funding is used for MHIs. Epilepsy burden varies across the country, with areas in the eastern and central parts of the country having the highest burden. There are limited specialised human resources and diagnostic equipment for epilepsy, and they are mainly centred in the cities. There are guidelines for epilepsy management; however, they do not address the psychosocial and rehabilitation needs for people with epilepsy.

Conclusion: There are limited human, equipment and financial resources for epilepsy, despite its substantial count in the burden of diseases in Tanzania. We recommend a national survey for epilepsy, a review of policy and guidelines both preventive and curative, and enhanced resource allocation to provide for an equitable number of staff, equipment, and funds to facilitate management of epilepsy in Tanzania.

Learning points:

1. This paper provides national level situational data on epilepsy in Tanzania, picturing epilepsy as a neglected condition which might also reflect what is also happening in other resource limited countries, therefore presents an evidence for the need of integrated but tailored solutions.