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Bringing The Voice of Lived Experience To #IEC2023
Epilepsy isn't just a medical condition; it's a journey that profoundly impacts individuals and their families. Having an understanding of the medical aspects of epilepsy is crucial, but understanding the emotional, psychological, and social aspects is just as important. A key focus of this year’s [...]
Amplifying the Voices of Experience: Citizen Journalists at IEC2023
The countdown has begun for the 35th International Epilepsy Congress (IEC2023), which will take place 2 – 6 September 2023, in Dublin, Ireland. This year, an innovative addition promises to infuse the event with fresh perspectives - the participation of citizen journalists - with the [...]
Historic Regional Symposium Unites Epilepsy Community in South East Asia to Prioritize Public Health and Implement WHO’s IGAP
The International Bureau of Epilepsy (IBE), in partnership with the Indian Epilepsy Association (IEA) and Indian Epilepsy Society (IES) convened a historic regional multi-stakeholder symposium “Epilepsy and Society in the Era of IGAP” in Jaipur, India, on 22-23 July 2023. With the overarching goal to [...]
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. In May 2022, WHO Member States adopted the IGAP which aims to improve access to treatment and care and quality of life [...]
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.
