EDYCS – Epilepsy Group

EDYCS provides therapeutic services addressing both epilepsy and any associated disabilities. The key areas of focus include:

• Medical care - Specialists at the centre regularly interact with patients to develop specific treatment plans. The care provided is tailored to each individual's needs, aiming to improve daily well-being.
• Well-being and daily care - This includes personalised care, leisure activities, and social integration organised around three main principles: self-care, self-care within one's environment, and managing free time.
• Professional and social integration: Activities aimed at social reintegration through employment, education, and general life skills.
• Support and resources: Provision of anti-epileptic medications, psychological support and counselling, home visits and massage therapy, information and documentation on epilepsy, and training in epilepsy management and health maintenance.

All these services are provided by a trained and competent staff dedicated to supporting the beneficiaries and their families.

Beneficiaries: As of 2018, EDYCS supports 2,000 beneficiaries in Mauritius and Rodrigues.

Established on December 24, 1997, EDYCS Epilepsy Group is dedicated to initiating, promoting, and coordinating all medical and social initiatives in favour of children and adults with epilepsy. The organisation brings together doctors, paramedical staff, social workers, organisations, institutions, and volunteers of all ages to support its projects and actions.

EDYCS Epilepsy Group comprises:

• Voting members: Individuals with voting rights in elections and committees.
• Beneficiaries: Patients and their families, who participate in the execution of projects aimed at their medical and social integration.
• Supporting institutions: NGOs and private companies that support the cause.
• Volunteers: Individuals with voting rights who participate in various activities.

Epilepsy can be daunting and often evokes fear. Many affected individuals rarely speak about their condition. Due to societal ignorance, they are often left in anonymity and suffering. Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting about 30,000 people. Seizures, caused by excessive electrical discharge of neurons in the cerebral cortex, can occur unexpectedly at any age. One in ten people is likely to experience at least one epileptic seizure in their lifetime. The EDYCS Epilepsy Health Service Centre, which opened in October 2000 in collaboration with MACOSS and the Municipality of Port-Louis, operates full-time and provides free services to people with epilepsy.

EDYCS Epilepsy Group is committed to supporting research to better understand the causes of epilepsy, improve treatment, and manage its effects more effectively. We aim to provide medical care and support for individuals with epilepsy. Implementing actions that foster the social inclusion of people with epilepsy is also a priority to improve their quality of life.

Our goals include raising public awareness and educating the public and social partners about the challenges and importance of epilepsy. We work closely with relevant authorities to ensure a coordinated effort in addressing epilepsy. Creating collaborative projects aimed at the social and medical integration of individuals with epilepsy is essential to our mission. Additionally, we focus on mobilising the necessary resources and expertise to combat epilepsy effectively at both local and international levels.

EDYCS Epilepsy Group has made significant strides in its mission to support individuals with epilepsy. One of our key achievements is the opening of a medical and information centre for epilepsy at Lot 442 Stateland, Boulevard Rivaltz, Port Louis. We have developed a robust structure that enables increased participation from multiple partners, including the government and the private sector. Through our efforts, we have raised public awareness about the growing number of people with epilepsy.

We have successfully brought together local and international partners to support our mission, mobilising funds to assist the epilepsy community. Additionally, we established an independent committee to manage and oversee the construction of a new epilepsy centre on government-allocated leased land. Our efforts also include the publication of various manuals on epilepsy and the increased involvement of volunteers in the fight against epilepsy.

In partnership with the Association pour le Bien Etre des Rodriguais, we have opened a small epilepsy centre in Mont Lubin, Rodrigues, which supports over a hundred families by providing information, advice, and training.

EDYCS Epilepsy Group receives financial support from various sources to sustain its operations and initiatives. Our funding sources include a grant from the Municipality of Port Louis, contributions from the NGO Trust Fund, donations from businesses, fundraising activities, and membership fees.

Our annual budget is Rs 3.5 million, which enables us to continue our work in supporting individuals with epilepsy and promoting their social integration.