"Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder, affects one in every 100 people in the Third World, and can occur in anyone from any social background and at any age. However, 75% of people with epilepsy have their first seizure before the age of twenty," Minister Uys said.

Minister Uys stressed the fact that epilepsy affects people of all levels of intelligence and social backgrounds. "It is sad that people with epilepsy are sometimes excluded from society due to ignorance. These are normal people going about their daily lives who could be absorbed into mainstream society when given the necessary support," Uys said.

What is epilepsy ? It is a disorder of the nervous system causing mild or severe convulsions, sometimes with loss of consciousness. Medical scientists could not yet establish the actual causes of the disorder.

The good news is that 80% of all people with epilepsy can control their condition with medication. "If you have a child with epilepsy there is a very good chance that he or she will outgrow it," said Uys.

Our hospitals, community health centres and clinics are all well equipped to deal with epilepsy, and stock the necessary anti-epileptic drugs. These drugs have to be prescribed by a doctor as epilepsy can lead to several types of seizures. It is important that parents are aware of the type of epilepsy from which their child is suffering. Observing a seizure in a child, and accurately describing this to a doctor is important for correct diagnosis. One cannot rely on the person who has suffered the seizure to remember it.

Children should be encouraged to interact with others who do not have epilepsy. At the same time, children and parents should adopt positive attitudes about epilepsy, as emphasised by this year's theme for National Epilepsy Day, "Turning obstacles into true potential". Epilepsy is often more of a nuisance than a dominating occurrence. People with epilepsy are able to function normally in practically any work situation. "Accept the limitations associated with epilepsy, but still live life to the full " Uys said.

"Epilepsy need not disqualify anyone from making a contribution to society. It is my wish that National Epilepsy Day will raise a greater awareness and help remove the unwarranted stigma attached to this condition," Uys said.