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Children's access to treatment for epilepsy: experience from the Lao People's Democratic Republic

Hubert Barennes1, Khouanheuane Sengkhamyong, Emercia M Sambany

  • 1Francophone Institute for Tropical Medicine, Vientiane, Lao PDR. hubert.barennes@auf.org

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|September 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Epilepsy in children is highly neglected in Lao PDR, with a 90% treatment gap. Addressing traditional beliefs, stigma, and poor knowledge is crucial to improve access to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Global Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Epilepsy affects 10.5 million children globally, with 80% in developing nations.
  • Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) faces a significant 90% treatment gap for childhood epilepsy.
  • Epilepsy is often neglected and referred to as 'mad pig disease' in Lao PDR.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the reasons behind limited access to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for children with epilepsy in Lao PDR.
  • To identify socio-cultural and systemic barriers contributing to the epilepsy treatment gap.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative analysis of factors influencing AED access.
  • Exploration of traditional beliefs, knowledge, and trust in modern medicine.

Main Results:

  • High prevalence of traditional beliefs, fear, and stigma surrounding epilepsy (affecting 40% of health staff).
  • Poor understanding of epilepsy and its treatment among the population and health workers.
  • Limited access to AEDs and lack of awareness regarding the necessity of long-term treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing stigma and improving knowledge of epilepsy and its treatment are essential.
  • Enhancing understanding and trust in modern antiepileptic drugs can help reduce the treatment gap for children.
  • Interventions should focus on education and improving healthcare access for pediatric epilepsy in Lao PDR.

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