Every year the Clinic for Neurology, University Clinical Center Tuzla as the only Purple Day ambassador in Bosnia and Herzegovina advocates on behalf of people with the epilepsies.
The Clinic hosted a press conference on the occasion of a Purple Day to present various epilepsy awareness engagements of health professionals and medical students.
In speaking to the press head of the Clinic for Neurology, Prof. Dr. Zikrija Dostović said that three specialized outpatient departments offer care and services for patients diagnosed with epilepsy. In a forthcoming period Prof. Dr. Dostović is expecting opening of a telephone helpline and advice service for people living with epilepsy.
During a press conference Prim. dr. Larisa Kovačević, head of the Department of General Neurology said that epilepsy is a serious condition that requires long- term antiepileptic drug treatment and constant monitoring of the patient. Epilepsy accounts for a significant proportion of the world’s disease burden, affecting around 1% of the population, thus making a significant medical and social problem.
Dr.Lejla Zonić said a few words about the funder of Purple Day. The concept of Purple Day was initiated by a nine-year-old named Cassidy Megan, and was motivated by her own struggle with epilepsy. Many communities, organizations and people from all continents acknowledge the message of Cassidy Megan and make her idea of Purple Day a global movement.
Dr. Lejla Avdić spoke with members of the press about this year’s joint epilepsy awareness activities that will be carried out by health professionals and medical students. On Friday, March 25
the tree in the downtown will be decorated with purple lights. Dr. Avdić also said that they will share information kit on epilepsy with citizens and invited the media to join and report on these event.