Latest News
New Round of Promising Strategies Initiative Announced
IBE is delighted to announce the launch of the next round of funding under its Promising Strategies Program. With 81 projects in 37 countries already supported under this major program, IBE is pleased to further extend its support to epilepsy associations in developing countries to empower [...]
Epilepsy Advocate, Marian Harkin, Receives European Policy-Maker Award
The European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA) recently held the second annual Neurology Advocacy Awards. The awards recognise the contribution of an individual or group to the development and promotion of advocacy for people with neurological disorders in Europe. This year’s winners were presented with their awards [...]
New Epilepsy Guide to Empower Patients, Supporters, Stakeholders
The Milken Institute Center for Strategic Philanthropy has developed this Epilepsy Giving Smarter Guide with the express purpose of empowering patients, supporters, and stakeholders to make informed, strategic decisions when directing their philanthropic investments and energy into research and development efforts. The Giving Smarter Guide provides a [...]
VIDEOS: remarkABLE Personal Epilepsy Stories
A number of personal epilepsy stories have been made available over the last two International Epilepsy Days through the official website. Now another batch of stories from North America have been added. The videos were recorded as part of the Twenty20s remarkABLE project, supported by IBE's [...]
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.
