The Central African Republic (CAR) continues to experience one of the world’s most prolonged and overlooked humanitarian crises. Years of conflict and instability have weakened the country’s essential services, leaving millions without reliable access to healthcare. Today, more than 2.4 million people, including 1.3 million children, are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. With widespread poverty and insecurity, families often struggle to receive even the most basic medical support.

Within this already fragile environment, epilepsy has emerged as a major and underserved public health challenge. An estimated 18,000 people in CAR are living with epilepsy, though experts believe the true number may be significantly higher. Access to treatment is extremely limited. The country has only three neurologists, all based in the capital city of Bangui. For many families, the costs associated with care, including EEG testing, specialist visits, and anti-seizure medication, are far beyond reach. Even when families can seek treatment, consistent access to high-quality medicines is not guaranteed.

To help address this critical gap, the DREAM-Community of Sant’Egidio began an epilepsy program in Bangui in 2019. Their approach focuses on providing specialized, integrated, and free care for children and adults living with epilepsy. Given the positive outcomes of the program, the Ministry of Health signed an agreement in December 2023 granting DREAM long-term management of a new hospital ward dedicated to epilepsy care at the national university hospital in Bangui. Officially opened in November 2025, the new Epilepsy Pavilion now serves as the National Reference Center for Epilepsy and includes medical consultation areas, diagnostic services, and spaces to support patients and their families.

This progress, however, has been hindered by the persistent lack of certified anti-seizure medications in the country. Over the summer, BBF helped ensure that treatment could continue. BBF air shipped urgently needed epilepsy medications to DREAM Sant’Egidio, strengthening their ability to provide reliable care and expanding access for families who would otherwise go without. This support helps children and adults better manage their condition, reducing medical emergencies and allowing families to focus on school, work, and daily life rather than constant uncertainty.

As of November 2025, the DREAM program is caring for 1,830 people with epilepsy, about half of whom are children. More than 60 percent of these individuals are now living seizure free, a change that has a profound effect on their health, education, and daily well-being. Many patients also experience disabilities related to their epilepsy, and DREAM continues to provide rehabilitation and physical therapy to support their development and mobility. Ongoing collaboration with international neurologists, including experts from Italy, enables providers to receive training and consultations onsite and through a dedicated telemedicine platform, strengthening local expertise and quality of care.