Before 2018, epilepsy in Zambia was treated as a mental illness by the health care system,  though many people viewed it as a manifestation of demonic possession or witchcraft. Epilepsy education for the public was non-existent, and specialty care unheard of.  Now Zambia's first neurology training program, launched in 2018, is shifting an entire country's perception of what epilepsy is, and how to treat it.
 
 This episode includes interviews with Deanna Saylor, program director of the post-graduate training program in neurology at the University of Zambia, and Melody Asukile, an adult neurologist with an interest in epilepsy, and one of the program's first graduates.
 
 Edited and produced by Nancy Volkers. Sharp Waves content is meant for informational purposes only and not as medical or clinical advice. The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

We welcome episode feedback and ideas for future episodes at podcast@ilae.org.

Registration is now open for the 15th European Epilepsy Congress, held September 7th through 11th in Rome, Italy. Join your colleagues for five days of teaching courses, symposia, platform sessions, career development sessions, and more! To receive a discount on registration fees, register by May 10. Visit the ILAE website for more information, or register directly at bit.ly/ilaerome. That’s Support the Show.

Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.

Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.

The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.