Racism robs. It robs people of their aspirations and, far too often, also of their lives. It robs communities of opportunities and growth. And racism robs everyone of talent, innovation and of dignity.
For people living with epilepsy racism adds yet another layer of discrimination to lives that are already made challenging by prejudice and stigma. People living with epilepsy have to navigate, on a daily basis, a myriad of harmful and hurtful myths about their condition and tackle unjust barriers to healthcare, employment and inclusion. Racism compounds this.
The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) are working together to create a world where no life is limited by epilepsy. Both organizations are committed to reducing the unacceptably high gap in access to effective care and treatment for epilepsy that, too often, disproportionately impacts minority groups. Institutional barriers, including racism within the health sector, form part of this challenge. We are determined to tackle these issues in an open and inclusive manner as well as continue to promote the benefits to us all of diversity in all aspects of our lives.
Download statement as PDF: IBE and ILAE Joint Statement on Racism
