The Epilepsy Foundation of Guyana (EFG) continues its work to raise awareness about epilepsy.

According to a press release, the EFG hosted its annual International Epilepsy Day Awareness Walk on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
The impactful event has been a cornerstone of the foundation’s initiatives since it was formed in 2014, the release stated.

The aim of the event was to foster community engagement, reduce stigma, and encourage support for individuals living with epilepsy.
Originally established in 2014, the EFG has been dedicated to advocating for people with epilepsy, fostering awareness, and providing support and resources to improve the quality of life for those affected.

In November 2024, the foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary with an inspiring evening of education and celebration, hosting a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session and an appreciation dinner at the Herdmanston Lodge.

In 2015, the international community, led by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), announced the creation of International Epilepsy Day, observed on the second Monday of February each year.

As a full member of the IBE, the EFG aligns its efforts with global initiatives of raising awareness and understanding of epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterised by reoccurring seizures. Seizures are brief episodes of involuntary movement that may involve a part of the body (partial) or the entire body (generalized).

These seizures are caused by excessive electrical discharges in a group of brain cells and can vary from brief lapses of attention or muscle jerks to severe and prolonged convulsions. According to the World Health Organization, around 50 million people worldwide live with epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally.

Over the past decade, the EFG has grown into a trusted resource, providing advocacy, support, and education to those living with epilepsy across Guyana. The foundation offers key services to the community, including electroencephalogram (EEG) tests in partnership with TeleEEG, a UK charity dedicated to supporting epilepsy diagnosis in underserved regions.

Additionally, the EFG provides free anti-seizure medications, generously donated by international partners such as the ROW Foundation.
The organisation has also facilitated medical outreaches with neurologists specialising in epilepsy and conducted awareness sessions in schools and companies.

Further, the EFG has established support groups for individuals living with epilepsy and their caregivers, providing a platform for shared experiences and mutual support.