Amref Health Africa- Tanzania (Amref) in collaboration with the government of Tanzania through the Ministry of Health, has officially launched a transformative initiative to strengthen epilepsy care and support for people with neurological disorders.

The new project, branded “Enhancing Epilepsy Care in Africa (EECA), was officially launched in Dodoma, targeting Bahi and Chamwino districts as pilot districts for scalable, community-based epilepsy care.

The three-year project, running from January 1, 2025, to December 30, 2027, is a collaborative initiative involving Amref Health Africa Tanzania, the Ministry of Health (MOH), President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), the Tanzania Epilepsy Association (TEA), the Parents Organization for Children with Epilepsy in Tanzania (POCET), the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and the University of Antwerp, Belgium. The project is funded by the BAND Foundation and supported by the UCB Innovation for Health Equity Fund. 

The project targets General public, People with epilepsy, Parents, caregivers and families of people with epilepsy, community influencers, health care providers and policy makers

The initiative aligns directly with Amref Tanzania’s programs focusing on Strengthening Health Systems (HSS) and Empowering Communities to achieve sustainable, people-centered healthcare. Through early diagnosis, improved treatment, health worker training, and grassroots anti-stigma campaigns, the project aims to improve health outcomes and social inclusion for People with Epilepsy (PWE) and their families.

"The EECA project is a pivotal step in advancing Amref’s mission to strengthen health systems and empower communities," said Dr. Aisa Muya, Director of Programmes at Amref Tanzania. "By embedding epilepsy care into Tanzania’s primary healthcare system, we are not only improving medical access but also promoting long-term community resilience and ownership. This model reflects our broader Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) strategy investing in human resources, data, service delivery, and community leadership to build more inclusive and equitable healthcare."

Officiating the launch, Acting Director of Curative services, Ministry of Health, Dr. Winifrida Kidima, emphasized the national significance of the project.

"This initiative marks a turning point in how we respond to neurological disorders like epilepsy," said Dr. Kidima "We must work together to break the silence and stigma, and ensure that every Tanzanian regardless of condition has access to the healthcare and community support they need."

The EECA project will be rolled out within the framework of Tanzania’s primary healthcare system, ensuring long-term sustainability, institutional ownership, and policy alignment. A central feature will be its anti-stigma campaigns, community mobilization, and training of healthcare providers, community health workers (CHWs), caregivers, and local influencers.