Since 2008, International Epilepsy Day “Purple Day” has been celebrated on 26th of March around the world. During all these years the emphasis has been on education and raising epilepsy awareness in the community under slogan “ By spreading knowledge on epilepsy, we eliminate fear and stigma”.
Dr. Larisa Kovačević, head of the Department of General Neurology, University Clinical Center Tuzla said that a nine- year- old girl Cassidy Megan from Nova Scotia, Canada, motivated by her own struggles with epilepsy, founded Epilepsy Awareness Day. Her wish was that supporters wear a purple-coloured item of clothing whole one day. “Since then more than hundred countries including Bosnia and Herzegovina have started epilepsy awareness campaigns, and Purple Day has became global initiative. Epilepsy is a serious neurological disorder that require lifelong treatment and constant monitoring of patient.” she said.
This year, doctors from the University Clinical Center Tuzla marked the day in a symbolic way respecting seriousness of epidemiological situation in the Tuzla Canton. They shared epilepsy promotional and educational material and small gifts for patients.