Vinod Saxena, RIP
It was with great sadness that IBE learned earlier today of the sad passing of Dr Vinod Saxena. From India, Vinod served as IBE Vice President Western Pacific Region from 2009 to 2013 and was a member of the IBE Regional Committee Western Pacific for several [...]
Socioeconomic problems of COVID-19 on persons with epilepsy in Cameroon
Report by Kenneth Nsom, Director of CODEF, an IBE Associate Chapter in Cameroon Cameroon is one of the hot spots of the Corona virus in Africa. Cameroon has one of the highest numbers of people infected with COVID-19. In Cameroon there are about 15,592 people infected [...]
‘Making Epilepsy a Health Priority in Africa’ – Utetezi Project Phase 2
BACKGROUND The Utetezi Pilot Project, funded by the BAND Foundation in 2019, provided funding to five African countries to develop the groundwork to create national epilepsy task forces, the development and implementation of national epilepsy plans, and the introduction of educational initiatives to address the recommendations [...]
The effects of COVID-19 – A report from SUDEP Action
The pandemic has brought significant change to the epilepsy and third-sector communities. As a charity specialised in supporting those bereaved by epilepsy, and dedicated to preventing epilepsy deaths, our funding evaporated when UK lockdown hit. Our small team had to quickly develop new ways of meeting [...]
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.