A 39-year-old Joshua Harding is a married father of four living in the rural community of Kawaya Village, earning a living through small-scale farming and daily labor, supporting his family on a modest and unstable income.
For many years, Joshua lived with epilepsy, experiencing sudden seizures that disrupted his work, exposed him to stigma, and placed emotional and financial strain on his household.
The nearest health facility to his village, the Bumpe Community Health Centre (CHC), is approximately six miles away, but due to transportation challenges and limited finances, Joshua relied on traditional remedies that offered no improvement.
Then one day after a severe seizure that left him weak for several days, his family decided to seek medical help.
At the Bumpe CHC, Joshua was attended to by Nurse Alfreda, who conducted a careful assessment and explained epilepsy as a manageable medical condition.
She provided counseling, educated the family on seizure management, and enrolled Joshua in antiepileptic medication supplied through RYDO-SL, with support from Bread and Water for Africa® in conjunction with MAP International.
“For a long time, I lived in fear and shame because of my illness,” Joshua shared.
“The nurse treated me with respect and gave me hope that my life could return to normal.”
With consistent treatment and follow-up, Joshua’s seizures significantly reduced in September 2025, allowing him to return to farming and family life.
His confidence improved, and the fear that once controlled his movements gradually disappeared.
“This support has restored my strength and dignity,” Joshua said.
“I sincerely thank RYDO-SL, Bread and Water for Africa®, and MAP International for bringing lifesaving medicines to rural communities.”
Joshua’s story highlights the transformative impact of accessible epilepsy care and compassionate health services, proving that with the proper support, individuals living with epilepsy can lead productive and dignified lives.
