"Fighting epilepsy without barriers": development and implementation of a nationwide indigenous-language epilepsy...

Epilepsy remains a major public health challenge in rural and indigenous communities where linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic barriers contribute to delayed diagnosis, stigma, and limited access to neurological care. In Mexico, the scarcity of culturally adapted educational resources in indigenous languages further widens the epilepsy treatment and information gap.

"Fighting Epilepsy Without Barriers" was developed through collaboration among the Mexican Chapter of the International League Against Epilepsy (CAMELICE), the National Institute of Indigenous Languages (INALI), and a local pharmaceutical company. Educational resources addressing epilepsy, seizure recognition, etiologies, treatment, and common misconceptions were culturally adapted through linguistic mediation and produced in Maya, Náhuatl, Mixtec, Tseltal, and Spanish. Dissemination included community broadcasting, institutional networks, digital platforms, press coverage, and academic outreach.

Twenty-two culturally and linguistically adapted resources were produced, including audio recordings, videos, and adult- and pediatric-oriented infographics. Audio materials were broadcast through 22 Indigenous Cultural Radio Broadcasting System stations, covering approximately 900 municipalities across 24 Mexican states. Official estimates by CAMELICE and INALI communication specialists indicated a potential audience of approximately 36 million individuals and an estimated effective reach of 25.2 million. The initiative received the 2022 ASPID Ibero-American Silver Award and governmental recognition.

This study describes the successful development and nationwide implementation of a culturally and linguistically adapted epilepsy education initiative. Although broad geographic coverage and substantial modeled population reach were achieved, educational, behavioral, and clinical outcomes were not directly evaluated. Prospective community-based studies are needed to assess the long-term impact of multilingual epilepsy education.