Lao Association for Patient with Epilepsy: Report of activity 2011-2014

In Lao PDR, the care of patients with epilepsy faces many challenges. There are around 50,000 people living with epilepsy (PWE) but only 10% have access to antiepileptic medication. The mortality is high among untreated PWE. Misconception about the disease and stigma are common in the general population. The availability of antiepileptic medication is poor. Knowledge on epilepsy among health personnel is poor. Improvement in the management of epilepsy in Lao PDR requires training of health workers on epilepsy, a system to provide antiepileptic drugs and improvement of knowledge on the causes and effective treatment of epilepsy among PWE and the public. The Lao Association for Patients with Epilepsy (APE) was established in 2011 with four main activities: organizing scientific conferences on epilepsy in Laosproviding three days training on epilepsy to health personal at both provincial and district levelssupporting the provision of antiepileptic drugs through a revolving drug fund at provincial and district hospitalsand promoting the dissemination of information on epilepsy to the public. Up to now, 31 health professionals among 52 who were trained on epilepsy provide consultations at both provincial and the district levels. A total of 129,200 tablets of a first line antiepileptic drug (phenobarbital) have been provided to provincial and district hospitals. An estimated 1,112 PWE are currently under treatment. There is a daily information campaign through the mediapamphlets and posters are disseminated at epilepsy clinics. A Lao medical network has been established that will improve access to treatment by PWE