Latin America Regional Golden Light Award Winners 2024 The IBE Golden Light Awards are an opportunity to recognise and reward young people affected by epilepsy - either because they have epilepsy or have made a significant positive impact on the lives of others who have the condition. Read Delfina's Story Read Francisca's Story Read Adriana's Story
Golden Lights at the 14th Asian & Oceanian Epilepsy Congress The IBE Golden Light Awards are an opportunity to recognise and reward young people affected by epilepsy - either because they have epilepsy or have made a significant positive impact on the lives of others who have the condition. The aim is to show that people with epilepsy do not have to be defined by their epilepsy but who embrace the call of the International Bureau for Epilepsy to ‘bring epilepsy out of the shadows and into the light’. Three worthy candidates, nominated by their chapters, were honoured during the Epilepsy & Society Symposium at the 14th Asian & Oceanian Epilepsy Congress which took place 19th November 2022. Hear From Our Winners Read Naziya's Story Read Jae Shin's Story Read Lee May's Story Read Hsiu-Wen's Story Read Aditya's Story Read Yawen's Story Your Content Goes Here Read Orla's Story Read Wilson's Story
Did you know that the World Health Organisation has launched a 10-year Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and other Neurological Disorders (IGAP)? The IGAP will focus on strengthening the public health approach to epilepsy around the world, with a focus on ensuring access to care and protecting the human rights of people with epilepsy everywhere. At this year’s Asian and Oceanian Epilepsy Congress, we will hear from health care professionals, researchers, policymakers, people with epilepsy and their representatives to discuss how the IGAP can be implemented in the region and the impact that is expected. This will be an important opportunity to learn more about the IGAP and to discuss - together - how we can implement actions in your region to close the treatment and inclusion gaps. This congress is an important event for the region, and we want to ensure that the voice of people with epilepsy is heard throughout. Registration, at a discounted rate for patient advocates, to attend the Congress is now open. There is no cost to attend the IBE Epilepsy and Society Symposium - but registration is required. You can register using the link below. Please note that we have also extended the deadline [...]
We are delighted to announce a call for entries for the art exhibition at AOEC on the theme of "Stigma." The call is open to everyone of any age, including people with epilepsy and their carers, doctors, nurses, social workers, etc. All entries will be included in the online art exhibition as an image gallery featured as part of the virtual 14th AOEC. Entries will automatically go forward to a global competition to mark International Epilepsy Day, which takes place on February 13th, 2023. The theme of International Epilepsy Day 2023 will also focus on the theme of stigma. We look forward to receiving your submissions! Please read entry rules and use the form below to submit your entry. Closing date for entries is Friday, 4th November, 2022. If you have difficulty submitting via the online form below click here to download the entry form. Entry Rules Brain On Fire: Stigma (Sarah Brown) Join us on Saturday, 19th November, for the IBE Epilepsy & Society Symposium as part of the 14th Asian and Oceanian Epilepsy Congress programme.
Dear Friends, This toolkit is a milestone in IBE’s commitment to empower people with epilepsy. It recognises that stigma is a major barrier preventing social inclusion and access to health care and treatment for people with epilepsy. The stigma surrounding epilepsy takes many forms and infects every aspect of the lives of people with epilepsy. Stigma is present in the family, community, school, clinic, and workplace. As a result, people with epilepsy tend to hide their condition and are precluded from a life of dignity. This toolkit is full of resources, ideas, and guidance for addressing and dismantling stigma in the various communities on the African continent. The toolkit was developed to help advocates to be proactive in shaping communities that are inclusive of the needs of all people with epilepsy. I am grateful to all who contributed to this project which brings us one step closer to a transformational social change so badly needed by people with epilepsy in Africa. –Francesca Sofia, President IBE Download Stigma Toolkit WHO THIS TOOLKIT IS FOR AND HOW TO USE IT This toolkit is intended to be a ‘how to’ guide for recognising distinct types and forms [...]
Did you know, that the World Health Organisation has launched a 10-year Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and other Neurological Disorders? This plan will focus on strengthening the public health approach to epilepsy around the world, with a focus on ensuring access to care and protecting the human rights of people with epilepsy everywhere. At this year’s Asian and Oceanian Epilepsy Congress, we will hear from health care professionals, researchers, policy-makers, people with epilepsy and their representatives to discuss how his plan can be implemented in the region, and the impact that is expected. Listen to regional and international experts on epilepsy Learn more about global, regional, and national efforts ongoing to address issues in Access to Care, Social Exclusion, and Stigma for people with epilepsy Share your experience of living with epilepsy in the region Hear from our young Golden Light award winners Meet the new team at IBE and hear about how you can get involved in upcoming projects and activities … and much more … Please Note: All presentations and discussions will be in English and will take place online. AOEC Registration Now Open
With intense grief, Epilepsy Association of Pakistan (ILAE-Pakistan Chapter) and Epilepsy Support Pakistan (IBE-Pakistan full Chapter) announces the sad demise of Prof. Emeritus Hasan Aziz. He passed away peacefully on 14 August 2022. He leaves behind his wife, Dr. Ghazala Aziz, two children, four grandchildren and innumerable students mentored by him, serving humanity locally and globally. His distinguished career at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) included several posts, including Professor and Head of Neurology, Director, Chairman Academic Council, and Emeritus Professor. The contributions he made to neurology in Pakistan, and epilepsy in particular, are numerous. It was only through the pioneering and singular efforts of Prof. Aziz that neurology was accepted by local postgraduate examination bodies. By doing so, the specialty became rooted in Pakistan, and locally trained and certified neurologists began fulfilling a desperate need. With the help of a small team of neurologists and volunteers, he helped Pakistan become a prominent player on the international epilepsy map. Read the full tribute to Prof. Aziz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l8GRUE6QC4 The International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), the International Child Neurology Association (ICNA), the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) hosted a webinar on 28 May 2022 to discuss the outcomes of the 75th World Health Assembly and to reaffirm their commitment to continue to work together to achieve all ten of the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP) targets. Speakers: Dr. Devora Kestel – Director, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, World Health Organization Prof J. Helen Cross – President, International League Against Epilepsy Prof. Jo Wilmshurst – President, International Child Neurology Association Prof. Wolfgang Grisold – President, World Federation of Neurology Dr. Francesca Sofia – President, International Bureau for Epilepsy Moderators: Action Amos (Malawi) and Valentina Kahn (Chile)
Read the Strategic Plan
Dear Friends, It is with a heavy heart that we, at the IBE, are following the evolution of the military action in Ukraine. While all our hopes are directed towards the quickest possible resolution, we cannot help but be deeply concerned for all people suffering from medical conditions and those with epilepsy who are in an inconceivably increased danger from this situation. Together with our partners in the ILAE, we are mobilizing and liaising with NGOs who can arrange for the urgent supply of anti-seizure medications through humanitarian corridors within the territory of Ukraine. However, it pains us to realize that this will not be enough because many people need assistance locally, which is lacking, while others are crossing borders and fleeing to countries where they do not know where to access the health care they need. In these darkest of hours, I am comforted by the empathy and solidarity that is spreading across our epilepsy community. I receive messages from people, families and associations who have offered to help in any way they can; many also living with severe epilepsy. These are messages that remind me how much humanity exists in this world. Please take a look at the joint statement below [...]
