zambia.

The story behind the work…

Epilepsy effects 65 million people worldwide. 80% of individuals with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries.

ROW Foundation is a Chicago-based NGO, existing to improve the lives of people living with epilepsy in under-resourced areas around the world. ROW Foundation brings medication to patients who otherwise would remain untreated. Their global partners assist in local education programs, helping destigmatize epilepsy and ensure patients receive requisite care. With epilepsy often viewed as a demonic possession and those who deal with it often taken advantage of because of their condition, ROW’s efforts have helped transform lives.

For our third collaboration with ROW Foundation, we traveled to Zambia in December 2024 to document the impact of a global partnership between ROW, BAND Foundation, and Rotary International in supporting Mfuwe Epilepsy Foundation, a local organization fighting to improve the lives of those with epilepsy.

Like we found in Sierra Leone and Rwanda, epilepsy is highly stigmatized in Zambia. The organizations have changed that. This film documents the success that has been created in the area.

ROW Foundation now uses the film for educational, marketing, and fundraising purposes.