A farewell message from Ann Little, IBE Executive Director
It is with a mixture of gratitude and sadness that we announce the departure of our Executive Director, Ann Little. Ann will step down from her role at IBE on December 31st, following 25 years of service. Over those 25 years Ann has been central to [...]
President to President – Conversation with IBE Presidents Martin Brodie and Francesca Sofia
IBE Presidents past and present discuss their work and goals In July 2021, IBE's Past President Martin Brodie and President Francesca Sofia, took part in an interview with the ILAE. Watch the complete interview video above to hear what led Martin and Francesca to their roles, [...]
IBE Day at the 34th International Epilepsy Congress
If you missed IBE Day at the 34th International Epilepsy Congress on Septmeber 1st don't worry- you can catch up with each of the day's sessions below! Making Epilepsy a National Health Priority – intersectoral collaboration Chairs: Mary Secco, IBE [...]
Advocate’s Toolkit for Making Epilepsy a Priority in Africa
WHO THIS TOOLKIT IS FOR AND HOW TO USE IT This toolkit is for organisations looking for guidance, ideas, or inspiration as they develop advocacy projects around epilepsy. Generally, the toolkit is aimed at civil society organisations working across Africa and has been heavily influenced by [...]
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?
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.
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.
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.