By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – While many people celebrated the Mother’s Day in many different ways, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla decided to celebrate this day in remembrance of women with epilepsy.
The DPM commemorated this day with the Eswatini Epilepsy Organization (EEO), which decided to commemorate this year’s Mother’s Day with a significant event—a Women and Epilepsy Conference held at the Eswatini Medical Christian University. The theme for this year’s conference was “Amplifying Voices for Women with Epilepsy and Related Conditions and Disabilities.”
Event Highlights
The conference brought together a diverse group of attendees, including:
– Women living with epilepsy
– Caregivers of individuals with epilepsy
– Healthcare practitioners
– Representatives from various Civil Society Organizations, such as Autism Eswatini, FODSWA, and the Eswatini Early Childhood Network.
Keynote Address
The event featured a keynote address by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla, the Deputy Prime Minister, who emphasized the importance of prioritizing care for persons with epilepsy and related disabilities. Her speech highlighted the resilience of women living with these conditions and those who support them.
Notable Speakers
Other distinguished speakers included:
– Prof. Paul Seung-Hun Yang, Vice-Chancellor of EMCU
– Dr. Shabangu, Senior Medical Officer – Public Health, representing the Minister of Health
– Dr. Bongiwe Dlamini, a neurologist
– Mr. Thembela Simelane, a psychiatric nurse from Mbabane Government Hospital
– Ms. Sindiso Bhembe, a psychiatric nurse at the National Psychiatric Referral Hospital and focal professional for mental health in the Ministry of Health.
Community Engagement
The conference also featured testimonials from the epilepsy community, sharing personal experiences about living with the condition and the support they receive from society.
Acknowledgments
EEO expressed gratitude to the Eswatini Medical Christian University for their partnership and support in hosting the event.
Conclusion
As the event concluded, EEO extended warm wishes to all mothers, hoping they had a wonderful Mother’s Day in 2025!
