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We were pleased to join our colleagues International League Against Epilepsy and the World Federation Of Neurology for a recent webinar celebrating one year since the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP) was unanimously approved by World Health Organization Member States. At this event, IBE President Francesca Sofia spoke about what IGAP means for people with epilepsy and other neurological disorders. The video replay is now available to watch. WHO Publishes Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders in All Six UN Languages The World Health Organization (WHO) has published the Intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders (IGAP) in all six UN languages.The action plan outlines five strategic objectives: to raise policy prioritization and strengthen governance; to provide effective, timely and responsive diagnosis, treatment and care; to implement strategies for promotion and prevention; to foster research and innovation and strengthen information systems; and to strengthen the public health approach to epilepsy.Actions suggested under each strategic objective are aimed at countries and partners, with WHO providing technical support and guidance in the implementation of the plan.There are 10 global targets with measurable indicators to track the achievement [...]

Living with epilepsy as a young person can be challenging, but you don't have to face it alone. IBE, along with our Global Youth Team, is pleased to announce an upcoming event scheduled for July 29th. This event offers a platform where you can learn from other young people, foster connections, and most importantly, have your voice heard! In advance of UN International Youth Day 2023, join us to: Learn more about our Youth Programme Follow the personal journeys of our inspiring Global Youth Team Members Meet some of our 2023 International Golden Light Award Winners Have your say on priorities for Young People with Epilepsy Help us shape our future epilepsy youth initiatives Get involved in our network of young people with epilepsy worldwide * Simultaneous Spanish translation will be available/ Habrá traducción simultánea al español. Register Your Interest Today Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn, engage, and contribute to a global network of young people with epilepsy. Register your interest today at bit.ly/IBEYouthWebinar. We look forward to seeing you there! Download Flyer En Español

Being a woman with epilepsy is not the same as being a man with epilepsy. This is especially noticeable when a woman reaches childbearing age and becomes sexually active. Seizures can be influenced by the female hormones of oestrogen and progesterone, resulting in issues for women across the life course from puberty to menopause and beyond. On June 2nd, 2023, IBE hosted a virtual conference to explore the issues facing women with epilepsy. We are pleased to share with you a recording of this event in English and Spanish. In Part 1 of this virtual conference, you will hear about the latest research and clinical best practice in the field from leading experts, as well as hear the experiences of women with epilepsy directly. Part 2 focuses on the social impact of epilepsy on women affected, and discusses intersectoral solutions – ranging from policy interventions to psycho-social support. We invite you to watch these recordings and visit our Women and Epilepsy website for more information. We are currently working on updating the website with additional resources, so be sure to check back for future updates.

Exploring Epilepsy and the Family A Report from the Global Youth Team of the International Bureau for Epilepsy [IBE] on International Day of Families 2023. For young people with epilepsy, the role of family is crucial to support their development and allow them to reach their true potential. Ahead of the UN International Day of Families, the IBE Global Youth Team asked their families about their experiences supporting loved ones with epilepsy. Youth Team members then produced a report outlining their findings and making some important recommendations for the epilepsy community and beyond. We invite you to download this article and get in touch with your own work or research on this topic, or any experiences, comments or reflections on this work ([email protected]). The IBE Youth Team connects young people with epilepsy around the world, develops young epilepsy advocates and enables them to partner with those working across epilepsy research, healthcare and policy making. The Youth Team meets monthly to discuss and shape the IBE Youth Programme. Download Report En Español

The world of sexual development, menstruation, contraception, fertility, pregnancy and menopause is complex, but when you have epilepsy, there are extra issues you need to know about.   Unfortunately, being a woman with epilepsy is not the same as being a man with epilepsy. On Friday, June 2nd, from 1 pm to 4 pm CEST, the International Bureau for Epilepsy [IBE] will host a FREE virtual event to dive deeper into this important topic. Together with a panel of international experts, we will: - Profile the personal journeys of women with epilepsy and explore the unique burden and challenges they face globally. - Hear the opinions of multi-stakeholder experts on the priority actions that should be taken to address the impact. - Highlight IBE's work on empowering and educating women with epilepsy, and those who care for them. - Showcase the latest scientific evidence and clinical guidance on managing epilepsy in women. - Provide a platform for the audience to share their views, ask questions and shape next steps.   The meeting will be held in English, but Spanish translation will be available throughout. Registration is now open until Wednesday, May 31st. Secure your place now by registering at: ibe-epilepsy.wecongress.es [...]

Have you, or a family member, been diagnosed with focal epilepsy which is not currently fully controlled by medication? Are you based in the United States or Israel, and between the ages of 18 to 65? If so, you may wish to consider enrolling in the Harmonie study. The Harmonie study is researching EQU-001, a study medication that may be able to prevent or decrease focal onset seizures. The study medication will be researched in combination with approved medications. Researchers are looking for people who continue to have focal onset seizures, despite taking anti-seizure medication(s), to join the study. For more information on this study, and to see if there is a study site near you, please visit the website: https://www.harmonieresearch.com More sites will be opening internationally in the months to come. So, if you are interested in taking part, continue to check the website for opportunities near you – or contact: [email protected] Note: IBE is not directly involved in the study, and so please contact your local study team if you are interested in learning more or getting involved. Learn More

On behalf of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), it gives us great pleasure to announce the winners of the Lifetime Achievement Awards, the Social Accomplishment Award and the Ambassador for Epilepsy Awards 2023. All of the award recipients are most notable winners who have worked selflessly with ILAE and/or IBE for many years towards achieving the missions of both organizations. It is people like them that help us close the treatment gap and improve the lives of those affected by epilepsy. We are pleased to see that our awardees come from all corners of the world demonstrating the importance of our regional committees and the work that they do on the ground. Congratulations to all recipients! We are grateful for your distinguished service and contributions to the epilepsy community. The awards will be presented during the Welcome Ceremony of the International Epilepsy Congress taking place in Dublin on the evening of 2 September. We do hope that as many of you as possible can join us in person in congratulating them on the night and in celebrating their achievements. With our best wishes, Prof. J. Helen Cross, President of ILAE Dr. Francesca [...]

We are delighted to announce that the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) has joined the OneNeurology Partnership. This exciting partnership brings together leading organizations in the field of neurology to work towards a common goal of improving the lives of people with neurological conditions. The Partnership, composed of international neurological organisations and regional umbrella groups, are uniting to make neurology a global public health priority. It is a multi-stakeholder, patient-focused partnership which aims to strengthen neurology-related groups to stimulate collaborative advocacy, action and accountability for the prevention, treatment and management of neurological disorders worldwide. Speaking about the decision to join the OneNeurology Partnership, IBE CEO Donna Walsh said: “At the International Bureau for Epilepsy, we are firm believers in the value of collaborative advocacy actions across the field of neurology and brain health. Via the OneNeurology Partnership, we hope that we can leverage synergies, share learnings and best practices, and work together on common challenges and opportunities. As the global voice of people with epilepsy, we are honoured to join like-minded organisations as part of this global, patient-focused initiative; teaming up to make neurology a public health priority everywhere!” Other members of the Partnership include organisations such as Alzheimer’s Disease International, [...]