Africa-Press – Eswatini. As Eswatini marks the 10th anniversary of the Yellow Epilepsy Charity Half Marathon on February 7, attention turns to epilepsy, a neurological condition affecting over 60 000 people nationwide.
Despite its prevalence, epilepsy is widely misunderstood, leaving many living with the condition exposed to stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion.
Health experts stress that epilepsy is not a mental illness. It is a medical condition caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. When this activity is suddenly disrupted, a seizure occurs, often described as an “electrical storm.” Repeated seizures without an immediate cause lead to an epilepsy diagnosis.
Director of the Eswatini Epilepsy Organisation (EEO), Abraham Ntshalintshali, emphasises that one of the biggest challenges in Eswatini is the confusion between epilepsy and mental health conditions. “Epilepsy is a neurological disorder and should be treated as such. Misclassification often leads to inappropriate care and reinforces harmful stigma,” he says.
Seizure symptoms vary widely. Not all involve collapsing or shaking. They may include sudden loss of consciousness, body stiffening or jerking, staring spells, confusion, unusual sensations such as strange smells or fear, repetitive movements, or sudden falls. After a seizure, a person may feel tired, disoriented, or experience headaches. Medical professionals note that with proper diagnosis and consistent treatment, many people with epilepsy can control their seizures and lead full, productive lives.
Public education is vital to dispel myths. Epilepsy is not contagious, and a person cannot swallow their tongue during a seizure. First aid experts advise that bystanders remain calm, ensure the person is safe, and gently roll them onto their side once the seizure ends. Objects should never be placed in the person’s mouth.
Beyond awareness, the EEO is developing a specialised Epilepsy Centre at Mpaka, near Sikhuphe International Airport, under the patronage of HRH Prince Bandzile. The E20 million project will provide medical services, accommodation, vocational activities, and social support in a safe environment. Ntshalintshali notes that while epilepsy patients in many countries receive care in specialised neurological facilities, in Eswatini they are often treated in general or mental health systems. The Mpaka centre aims to fill this gap and improve quality of life.
The Yellow Epilepsy Charity Half Marathon, also on February 7, forms part of fundraising for the centre. The race provides a national platform for epilepsy education and advocacy, with medals for participants and cash prizes for winners. Early bird registration closes on January 28, 2026.
As Eswatini runs in yellow, organisers emphasise the message: epilepsy is a medical condition that requires understanding, proper care, and compassion. Through education, infrastructure, and community support, the country can move closer to a society where people with epilepsy are respected, included, and protected.
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