Frequently Asked Questions

Beyond Epilepsy Africa (BEA) is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering Africans living with epilepsy and seizure disorders. We work through three core pillars: Awareness campaigns that break stigma and educate communities, Holistic Support programs that address the whole person, and Community building that connects epilepsy warriors and their families across Africa.

BEA was founded by Esther Uwem George, a public health advocate who recognised that epilepsy in Africa carries a disproportionate burden of stigma, misinformation, and unmet support needs. Esther launched BEA with a clear mandate: close the epilepsy care gap and build dignified, lasting community support for every person affected - not just medical treatment, but holistic dignity.

BEA operates across Africa, with a growing presence in multiple countries. Our programs reach communities through local partners, healthcare providers, and our online platforms. We are actively expanding our reach to ensure that no epilepsy warrior in Africa is left unsupported, regardless of location.

Our programs are organised around three pillars: Awareness: Annual Purple Run (5km awareness race), school education programs, social media campaigns, and healthcare provider sensitisation. Holistic Support: Mental health counselling, nutritional guidance, caregiver training, spiritual care partnerships, and crisis referrals. Community: Epilepsy warrior peer groups, caregiver networks, online community platforms, and advocacy training.

You can donate directly through our website on the Donate page. We accept multiple currencies and payment methods to make giving accessible from anywhere. If you would like to explore corporate sponsorship or major gifts, please reach out to us through the Contact page and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

Every donation directly funds our three program pillars: Awareness campaigns - reaching communities with accurate information about epilepsy Holistic support services - counselling, nutritional guidance, and caregiver training Community building - epilepsy warrior peer groups and advocacy training A small percentage covers necessary operational costs to keep BEA running effectively. We are committed to transparency and can provide a breakdown upon request.

Yes! Recurring donations are incredibly valuable as they allow us to plan programs and sustain long-term impact. You can set up a monthly or annual gift through our Donate page. Recurring donors become part of our inner circle of supporters who receive regular updates on the impact their giving is creating.

We welcome volunteers with skills in healthcare, education, communications, graphic design, community outreach, fundraising, and more. To get started, fill out the contact form on our Contact page and select "Volunteer Opportunities" as your subject. We will be in touch with current opportunities that match your skills and availability.

Absolutely. We actively partner with healthcare organisations, nonprofits, corporates, foundations, and academic institutions who share our mission. We welcome conversations about co-hosted events, joint awareness campaigns, research collaboration, and corporate sponsorship. Please reach out via our Contact page and select "Partnership Inquiry."

Stories are at the heart of what we do. Personal accounts from epilepsy warriors, caregivers, and healthcare providers are powerful tools for breaking stigma and inspiring communities. Contact us through the Contact page and select "Support / Resources." Tell us a bit about your story and a team member will follow up to discuss how we can share it responsibly and with your full consent.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. A seizure happens when there is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily disrupts its normal functioning. Epilepsy affects approximately 50 million people worldwide, with about 80% living in low- and middle-income countries - including across Africa. Despite its prevalence, it remains one of the most stigmatised and misunderstood conditions on the continent.

No. Epilepsy is not contagious. You cannot "catch" epilepsy from another person through any form of contact. This is one of the most harmful myths surrounding epilepsy in many African communities. BEA works actively to correct this misinformation through community education, because fear and false beliefs lead to exclusion and discrimination against people who deserve care and dignity.

Stay calm and follow these steps: Stay with the person - do not leave them alone Gently cushion their head with something soft if they fall Turn them onto their side to keep their airway clear Do not restrain them or hold their body down Do not put anything in their mouth - this is a dangerous myth Time the seizure - if it lasts more than 5 minutes, call emergency services Stay with them until they are fully conscious and oriented Most seizures end on their own within 1-3 minutes. Your calm, informed presence makes all the difference.

Yes - absolutely. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and support, the majority of people with epilepsy can live full, active, and deeply purposeful lives. Many successful leaders, athletes, artists, and advocates around the world live with epilepsy. The real barriers are not the condition itself but the stigma, lack of access to treatment, and absence of community support that BEA exists to address. At BEA, we believe in a future Beyond Epilepsy - where the diagnosis does not define the person, and where every epilepsy warrior has the support they need to thrive.

The Purple Run is BEA's flagship annual awareness event - a 5km community run held every year in honour of epilepsy warriors and their families. Purple is the internationally recognised colour of epilepsy awareness. The run brings together community members, healthcare workers, advocates, and supporters to walk and run together in solidarity. It raises funds for BEA's programs and generates vital public awareness about epilepsy in Africa. Anyone can participate - you do not need to be a runner. The Purple Run is a community celebration and act of solidarity, open to all ages and fitness levels.