Transforming Lives Across Africa
Giving Life, Hope, and Dignity
The Ruma Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming the lives of young Africans through access to education, technology, enterprise skills, and community-led empowerment programs.
People Affected Globally
Awareness Target by 2027
Patients Supported
Community Support Groups
Our Purpose
Changing the Narrative Around Epilepsy in Africa
We exist to fundamentally transform how epilepsy is understood, treated, and lived with building a future of inclusion, dignity, and equitable care.
Our Mission
To proactively increase epilepsy awareness, facilitate effective treatment, empower communities, and advocate for transformative policies. We achieve this through a strategic blend of education, collaborative partnerships, and compassionate humanitarian services designed to create lasting change.
Our Vision
A society where every individual living with epilepsy enjoys full inclusion, equitable access to quality care, and lives with dignity — free from the burden of stigma. We believe in a future where understanding replaces fear, and support systems are robust and accessible to all.
Awareness & Education
Raising public understanding and dispelling myths about epilepsy through school campaigns, digital content, and community sensitization.
Support & Empowerment
Providing vital resources and fostering resilience for individuals and families through support groups, medication assistance, and counselling.
Advocacy & Outreach
Championing better healthcare systems and community-led initiatives through policy engagement, research, and stakeholder collaboration.
of people with epilepsy live in low-income countries
The Challenge
The Unseen Struggle of Epilepsy in Africa
Epilepsy affects over 50 million people globally, with a disproportionately high concentration in Africa. These challenges contribute to avoidable deaths, profound isolation, and a significantly diminished quality of life.
Stigma & Discrimination
Deep-seated societal stigma leading to exclusion and marginalization of persons living with epilepsy.
Lack of Awareness
Widespread misinformation and poor understanding of the condition perpetuate fear and isolation.
Limited Access to Care
Inadequate medication supply and insufficient medical support leave many without proper treatment.
Cultural Misinformation
Harmful myths and traditional beliefs hinder proper medical treatment and community acceptance.
Policy Gaps
Insufficient government attention and lack of comprehensive policy frameworks for epilepsy care.
Geographic Barriers
Rural communities face extreme difficulty accessing specialists, medication, and support networks.
What We Do
Pillars of Progress
We at The Gardeny are proud to offer carefully designed landscapes crafted to suit our commercial
clients’ preferences while prioritizing sustainability.
Awareness & Public Education
Conducting quarterly school and community awareness drives, creating digital content, and community sensitization to disseminate accurate information about epilepsy.
- Quarterly school campaigns
- Digital content creation
- Community sensitization drives
- Training 5,000 in seizure first-aid
Patient Support & Empowerment
Facilitating support groups, providing essential medication assistance, and offering counselling services to empower patients and their families.
- 10 community support groups
- Medication assistance programs
- Counselling & mental health support
- Skills-building programs
Medical Assistance & Capacity Building
Forging hospital partnerships, organizing medical outreaches, and delivering specialized training programs for healthcare workers to enhance epilepsy management.
- Annual medical outreaches
- Healthcare worker training
- Hospital partnership programs
- 500 healthcare workers trained
Advocacy & Policy Influence
Publishing whitepapers, engaging in dialogues with stakeholders, conducting research, and collaborating with government bodies for improved epilepsy policies.
- Policy whitepaper publications
- Government stakeholder engagement
- Research & data development
- National epilepsy report
Research & Data Development
Establishing robust epilepsy data reporting mechanisms and comprehensive community mapping initiatives to inform evidence-based interventions.
- National epilepsy data system
- Community mapping initiatives
- Evidence-based research
- Impact measurement frameworks
Measurable Impact
By 2027, IKIRU is committed to achieving significant milestones that will profoundly transform epilepsy care and awareness across Nigeria and Africa.
People Reached
Patients Supported
Healthcare Workers
Support Groups
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Our Target Beneficiaries
Our initiatives are carefully designed to reach and positively impact a diverse group of stakeholders, ensuring comprehensive support and systemic change.
Persons with Epilepsy
Direct beneficiaries of our support, treatment, and empowerment programs. We walk alongside them every step of the way.
Medical Professionals
Benefiting from specialized training and resources to enhance their epilepsy management capabilities.
Affected Communities
Empowered to challenge stigma, build supportive environments, and foster inclusion for all members.
Caregivers & Families
Receiving guidance, support, and resources to better assist their loved ones living with epilepsy.
School Children & Educators
Educated to foster understanding and inclusion from a young age, building a more compassionate generation.
Policymakers & Institutions
Engaged to advocate for improved policies, healthcare frameworks, and systemic change across Africa.
Why Partner With Us
Our Unwavering Commitment
IKIRU stands as a beacon of hope, driven by a profound commitment to those living with epilepsy. Our strength lies in our principled approach and impactful programs. Join us in giving hope and life to millions living with epilepsy across Nigeria and Africa.
Passionate Leadership
Led by experienced founders deeply dedicated to our mission and the communities we serve.
Measurable Outcomes
High-impact programs with clear, trackable results and transparent reporting.
Sustainable Strategy
Long-term vision for lasting change, not just short-term interventions.
Transparent Governance
Structured systems ensure accountability and trust with all stakeholders.
Community-Centred
Approaches tailored to local needs, culture, and context across Nigeria and Africa.
Strategic Partnerships
Strong alliances with medical institutions, NGOs, and government bodies.
Trusted NGO
Registered & operating across Nigeria with full transparency.
Take Action Today
Join the Dr. Ruma Journey
We invite you to be part of Dr. Ruma transformative journey across Africa's most vulnerable communities. Your partnership will help us scale our impact and achieve our ambitious goals for persons living with epilepsy.