Announcing Asian & Oceanian Golden Light Award Winners 2022
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 [...]
Join Us for IBE Epilepsy & Society Virtual Symposium at 14th AOEC Congress
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 [...]
World Teacher’s Day: Fighting Epilepsy Stigma In Kenya
Today, October 5th, on World Teacher's Day, we hear from our Kenyan Chapter on their efforts to work with educators to reduce epilepsy in schools. Report by Keziah Njoroge, KAWE, The Kenya Association for the Welfare of People with Epilepsy. Stigmatization is a social phenomenon [...]
JM Financial Foundation Partners With Samman Association To Treat Patients In Rural Bihar, India
Reported by Carol D’SouzaSamman Association (Indian Epilepsy Association, Mumbai Chapter) has been looking after epilepsy patients in rural areas since 2007. Our work in this regard started with clinics in Pen, a village nearer to Mumbai where we are based. We held a clinic there every [...]
Established in 1961, the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) is an international organisation for national epilepsy organisations (IBE chapters) that exists to provide support for a strong global network, encourage the development of new chapters in underserved areas of the world, and to encourage communication and collaboration among all members so as to meet our mission and vision.
Our members are patient/family focused and driven organisations and we work collaboratively with our professional and government partners worldwide.
Our strategic priorities are to ensure that epilepsy is
recognised as a health priority worldwide; that the human and civil rights of people with epilepsy are enhanced and protected wherever they might live; that people with epilepsy are empowered to maximise quality of life; and that research into prevention, treatment, care and consequences of epilepsy are promoted.
We work to achieve these priorities through a range of programs including:
- Public Information and Health Education
- Advocacy
- International Best Practice Exchange
- Helping Build Communities of Care
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What is Epilepsy?
![What is Epilepsy – Icon](https://www.ibe-epilepsy.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/What-is-Epilepsy-Icon.png)
Epilepsy is one of the most common serious diseases affecting more than 50 million people globally. There are many difference causes for epilepsy including genetic disposition, head trauma or brain tumour.
![What is Epilepsy – Icon](https://www.ibe-epilepsy.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/What-is-Epilepsy-Icon.png)
Epilepsy affects almost every aspect in the life of the person diagnosed with the disease. For many people with epilepsy, the stigma attached to the disease is more difficult to deal with than the disease itself.
![What is Epilepsy – Icon](https://www.ibe-epilepsy.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/What-is-Epilepsy-Icon.png)
People with epilepsy have a 3-6 times greater risk of premature death. Many of the deaths from epilepsy could be prevented with appropriate medication and treatment.