Chapter Name: Zambia League Against Epilepsy (ZLAE)
Report By: Naluca Mwendaweli

Publications:

Non

Summary of Activities:

The ZLAE was officially recognized as a member of the International League Against Epilepsy during the International Epilepsy Congress held in Bangkok, Thailand in June 2019. To date, we have 20 members across the country, active and non-active.

International Epilepsy Day was celebrated on 11th February 2019 and on 10th February 2020. The organisation, in partnership with the Epilepsy Association of Zambia gave some talks on creating Epilepsy awareness in different institutions. This also including distributing flyers and putting up notices in various public institutions on Epilepsy myths and what to do when someone is having a seizure.

In October 2019, the ZLAE helped to conduct training for EEG technicians. Six EEG technicians were trained on how to correctly operate the EEG machina and how to do the recordings. This was done over a one week period.

On 12th June 2020, ZLAE hosted a video conference on Epileptic seizures and COVID 19 at the Levy Mwanawasa Medical University Teaching Hospital. The main speaker was Prof Man Mohan from India.

Challenges:

1.We had planned for our first General Assembly on 29th August 2020 but this did not take place due to the ban on gatherings because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we could not have elections for a new executive committee. Also, we lost our interim vice-president, Anthony Zimba who died on 9th August 2020.

2. The COVID pandemic has made it difficult to carry out activities as most health professionals are providing services at the frontline.

Future Plans:

1. Have a virtual General Assembly and elections by March 2021
2. Launch of the five year strategic plan
3. Carry out a needs assessment of our members
4. Enrollment of new members
5. Organisation of our offices
6. Have more educational activities

Officer Election Date: 26th June 2016