Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
EPILEPSY advocates have intensified efforts to raise public awareness on how to assist patients during seizures, with health workers, families, and communities being urged to equip themselves with basic first aid knowledge.
The campaign which is being led by the Epilepsy Support Foundation’s Manicaland focal coordinator, Mr Ngonidzashe Mutamangira, who in an interview on Wednesday, said many people still lack the confidence and skills to respond effectively when faced with an epileptic emergency.
“We realised that there is very little understanding of how to help someone during a seizure. The moment a person collapses in a public space, you see people running away, panicking, or worse, attempting dangerous things like trying to force objects into the patient’s mouth. That is why awareness is important,” he said.
Mr Mutamangira said the initiative was born after he personally witnessed a seizure incident where no one could offer assistance.
“It was disheartening to see people stuck on what to do. Even health professionals sometimes panic because they rarely encounter epileptic patients, and by the time they finally do, they might have forgotten the practical steps they were taught. That gap in knowledge can put lives at risk,” he said.
The Foundation has been conducting educational sessions in Government institutions, pharmacies, and communities, while also distributing posters outlining simple and safe first aid procedures.
According to Mr Mutamangira, the core message is to keep calm, protect the patient, and seek help if necessary.
“The first thing is to compose yourself and remain calm. Make sure that the patient is safe by moving them away from fire, glass,roads, or machinery. Protect their head with something soft, like a folded jumper or pillow. Time the seizure, and if it goes beyond five minutes, call for medical assistance immediately,” he explained.
He stressed that after the seizure stops, patients should be placed in the recovery position, lying on their side, to keep the airway clear.
“Stay with them, reassure them, and cover them with a blanket for dignity. If it is their first seizure, or if they have difficulty breathing, seek medical help straight away,” he said.
Mr Mutamangira also highlighted common mistakes that must be avoided during seizures.
“One of the worst myths is putting objects into the patient’s mouth. People still believe you can stop a seizure by forcing food, water, or tablets, but this is extremely dangerous. Do not restrain the patient, do not pour water on them, and do not move them unless they are in immediate danger. Seizures cannot be stopped by force, so the best help is safe help,” he said.
He further explained that keeping calm and providing reassurance goes a long way, especially for families caring for children with epilepsy.
“Do not leave the person alone until you are sure they are fine. Check if they need help to get home or if you can contact a relative on their behalf. These small acts of support make a big difference,” he said.
The Foundation’s awareness campaign emphasises what it calls the key points which are to keep calm, assess, protect, check time, recovery position, and assess again.
“These are simple steps, but they can save lives if more people know them. Epilepsy is not contagious, you do not get it from saliva, blood, or body contact. So the public must stop stigmatising patients and instead learn how to help,” said Mr Mutamangira.
He urged communities to work closely with local clinics, mental health services, and health workers to normalise conversations about epilepsy and break stigma.
“People living with epilepsy deserve dignity and safety. That begins with awareness. If every person knows how to provide first aid during a seizure, we will reduce unnecessary injuries, and give patients the confidence that their communities understand them,” he said.
Mr Mutamangira added that the campaign will continue to target schools, workplaces, and public spaces in order to reach as many people as possible.
“We are not stopping here. Our posters and training sessions are just the beginning. We want a society where an epileptic patient can collapse anywhere and immediately receive safe, correct assistance from those around them,” he said.
Mr Mutamangira called for collective responsibility, noting that awareness is, not just for health professionals, but for every citizen.
“Epilepsy can happen to anyone, anywhere. The responsibility of knowing how to help belongs to all of us. Together, we can create safer communities, and give our brothers and sisters living with epilepsy the support they need,” he said.
Epilepsy, a neurological condition characterised by recurrent seizures, affects thousands of people in Zimbabwe.
Experts say lack of public knowledge, not only worsens the risks associated with seizures, but also fuels stigma and discrimination against patients.
