Asian Oceanian Declaration
A meeting “Epilepsy: A Public Health Priority in Asian & Oceanian Region” was held in New Delhi on November 10, 2000. Over 600 professionals from health and social sciences sectors and representatives from many other organisations of the region unanimously agreed on November 13, 2000 to the wording of the Asian-Oceanian Declaration on Epilepsy.
Click here to read the Asian Oceanian Declaration.
North American Declaration
At a meeting in Los Angeles on December 1, 2000, leaders of North American professional and lay bodies, WHO representatives and health experts from governments and universities unanimously adopted the North American Declaration on Epilepsy.
Click here to read the North American Declaration.
Latin American Declaration
Under the aegis of the Global Campaign Against Epilepsy, the Commissions on Latin American Affairs of the International League against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO), UNICEF for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Regional Office on Education for Latin America and the Caribbean of UNESCO, the Ministry of Health of Chile, organisations of people with epilepsy and parents of children with epilepsy, and the delegates of the national Leagues against Epilepsy of the Latin American and other countries of the world, on September 9th of 2000, at Santiago de Chile, unanimously approved the Latin American Declaration on Epilepsy. Read the full text
Click here to read full text (English version).
En el marco de la Campaña Global contra La Epilepsia, las Comisiones de Asuntos Latinoamericanos de la Liga Internacional contra la Epilepsia (ILAE) Y DEL Bureau Internacional para la Epilepsia (IBE), la Organización Panamericana de la Salud/ Organización Mundial de la Salud (OPS/OMS), UNICEF para América Latina y el Caribe, la Oficia Regional de Educación para América Latina y el Caribe de la UNESCO, el Ministerio de la Salud de Chile, organizaciones de personas con epilepsia y padres de niños con epilepsia y representantes de las Ligas Nacionales contra la Epilepsia de los países de Latinoamérica y del mundo, el 9 de Septiembre del año 2000 en Santiago de Chile unánimemente aprobaran la Declaración Latinoamericana sobre Epilepsia.
Haga clic aquí para leer la versión completa (en español).
European Declaration
At a meeting in Heidelberg, Germany on 25 October 1998, over 100 leaders of European professional and lay bodies, WHO representatives and health experts from governments and universities unanimously agreed the wording of the European Declaration on Epilepsy. Read the full text and background notes
Click here to download the European Declaration (English version).
Click here to download the European Declaration (Russian version).
Eastern Mediterranean Declaration
Under the aegis of the Global Campaign Against Epilepsy of the World Health Organization (WHO), International League against Epilepsy (ILAE) and International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), a meeting “Epilepsy as A Public Health Concern in the Eastern Mediterranean Region” was held in Cairo, Egypt, on 3 and 4 March 2003. Professionals from Health and Social Sciences sectors and representatives from universities coming from the member states of the Eastern Mediterranean Region unanimously agreed the Eastern Mediterranean Declaration on Epilepsy.
Click here to read the East Mediterranean Declaration (Arabic version).
Click here to read the East Mediterranean Declaration (English version).
African Declaration
Under the aegis of the Global Campaign Against Epilepsy of the World Health Organization (WHO), International League against Epilepsy (ILAE) and International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), a meeting “Epilepsy : A Healthcare priority in Africa” was held in Dakar, Senegal, Africa on 5 and 6 May 2000. Professionals from Health and Social Sciences sectors and representatives from universities coming from every African Region unanimously agreed the African Declaration on Epilepsy.
Click here to read full text (English version).
Click here to read full text (French version).
Epilepsy and Legislation
Basic principles for Epilepsy Legislation sets out basic principles and rights that should be considered when drafting legislation related to epilepsy with due respect to given cultures or legal traditions. Read more click here to download this document
Read MoreGuidance Instrument for Legislation
This guidance instrument has been developed for people and organisations who are interested in changing current or developing new epilepsy related legislation. This could include people working in the field of epilepsy, politicians, officials or NGOs including organisations of service users. It outlines the preliminary steps that may be taken before embarking on the drafting [...]
Read MoreA manual for Medical and Clinical Officers in Africa
Click here to download the a manual for Medical and Clinical Officers in Africa.
Read MoreProtocol for a demonstration project in Georgia
This protocol is for a demonstration project testing the feasibility of diagnosis and treatment of convulsive forms of epilepsy at the primary care level using phenobarbital, carbamazepine and valproate as the first options. The long-term prospect is to integrate epilepsy management into the existing primary health delivery system of Georgia. This project is one of [...]
Read MoreProtocol for a demonstration project in Senegal (French version)
Le Sénégal a une population estimée à 9 Millions environ, dont 60 % rurale. Le sexe féminin représente 53,5 % de la population générale. 22,3 % des femmes sont en âge de procréer. Le taux d’accroissement global de la population est de 2,7 % par an. Le taux d’analphabétisme est estimée à 73%. Plus de [...]
Read MorePrevalence rate and Treatment Gap – Demonstration Project Senegal
Click here to download this study.
Read MoreUse of various methods of social mobilization to increase awareness on epilepsy in the context of demonstration project in Senegal
Click here to download this study.
Read MoreThe Comparison Study of Cost-Effectiveness of 100 Patients with Epilepsy in Ningxia Demonstration areas
Click here to download this study.
Read MoreProtocol for a demonstration project in China
This protocol is for a demonstration project testing the feasibility of diagnosis and treatment of convulsive forms of epilepsy at the primary care level using phenobarbital as the first option. The long-term prospect is to integrate epilepsy management into the existing primary health delivery system of the Peoples Republic of China. This project is one [...]
Read MoreDemonstration Project in China
Introduction and situation analysis The Peoples Republic of China is situated to the east of the Asian continent. It covers 9,600,000 km2 and is divided into 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities. These divisions contain 335 districts, 2858 counties, 48,000 towns and 822,000 villages. According to the national records, in 1998 China had [...]
Read MoreDemonstration Project on Epilepsy in Brazil
This project aimed at testing the feasibility of diagnosing and treating epilepsy at primary care level with rational use of the first line antiepileptic drugs (phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and valproic acid). The long-term prospect was to integrate epilepsy management into the existing primary health delivery system in a sustainable manner. If this project proves to [...]
Read MoreDemonstration Project in Georgia
The project aimed at testing the feasibility of diagnosing and treating convulsive forms of epilepsy at primary care level, using phenobarbital, carbamazepine or sodium valproate as the first option. The long-term objective was to integrate epilepsy management into the existing primary health delivery system in rural and semi-rural areas of Georgia in a sustainable manner. [...]
Read MoreDemonstration Projects in Timor-lEste
Introduction Assuming a prevalence of 10 per 1000, there are an estimated 15 million people with epilepsy in the 11 Member Countries of the WHO South-East Asian Region (which encompasses the IBE South East Asia and Western Pacific regional structure). More than 80% of these people live in rural areas where appropriate services for neurological [...]
Read MoreDemonstration Projects in South East Asia Region
Introduction Assuming a prevalence of 10 per 1000, there are an estimated 15 million people with epilepsy in the 11 Member Countries of the WHO South-East Asian Region (which encompasses the IBE South East Asia and Western Pacific regional structure). More than 80% of these people live in rural areas where appropriate services for neurological [...]
Read MoreDemonstration Project on Epilepsy in Zimbabwe
Introduction and Situation Analysis Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in Southern Africa measuring 391.000 km2 and with a population of 13 million (source: CIA). The country shares borders with Zambia. The white population is estimated to be around 40,000. The official language is English; however, the majority of the population speak Shona or Ndebele. Just [...]
Read MoreDemonstration Project on Epilepsy in Senegal
Introduction and Situation Analysis Senegal is a West-African country that covers a territory of 69,700 km² and has a population of 10 million. Of the population 45% are less than 15 years of age, 54% are female and 55% live in rural areas. The health system is structured as a pyramid, constituted from the base [...]
Read MoreDemonstration Project in Georgia
From left: Sofia Kasradze, Natela Okujava, Hanneke de Boer, Ley Sander and Tarun Dua. Click here to read a progress Report of the Georgia Demonstration Project Introduction During Phase II of the Campaign Demonstration Projects were set up in the AFRO, AMRO, SEARO and WPRO Regions, but no such activity had been initiated in European [...]
Read MoreDemonstration Project in China
Introduction and situation analysis The Peoples Republic of China is situated to the east of the Asian continent. It covers 9,600,000 km2 and is divided into 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities. These divisions contain 335 districts, 2858 counties, 48,000 towns and 822,000 villages. According to the national records, in 1998 China had [...]
Read MoreDemonstration Project on Epilepsy in Brazil
Click here to download the detailed published report. Introduction and situation analysis: Brazil is a country of continental dimensions (8,511,965 km2) located in South America. It is divided into 32 federal units. According to the census of 2000 it has a population of 170 million inhabitants. It has been a Republic since 1889 with a [...]
Read MoreEpilepsy Atlas Overview
The Atlas Project In 2005 the Atlas of Epilepsy Care in the World was published by WHO with the input of the Global Campaign Against Epilepsy, and as a result of a GCAE project started in 2002. Data were collected from 160 countries covering 97.5% of the world population through a questionnaire developed by a group [...]
Read MoreLink to Atlas Documents
Click here to download the full version of Epilepsy Atlas (8MB) Click here to download Epilepsy Atlas: Introduction (930KB) Click here to download Epilepsy Atlas: Careproviders part 1 (1.2MB) Click here to download Epilepsy Atlas: Careproviders part 2 (1.49MB) Click here to download Epilepsy Atlas: Epilepsy Disorder (990KB) Click here to download Epilepsy Atlas: Glossary [...]
Read MoreGCAE Newsletter June 2002
Click here to download GCAE Newsletter June 2002
Read MoreGCAE Newsletter November 2001
Click here to download GCAE Newsletter November 2001.
Read MoreGCAE Newsletter October 2001
Click here to download GCAE Newsletter October 2001
Read MoreGCAE Newsletter August 2001
Click here to download GCAE Newsletter August 2001
Read MoreGCAE Newsletter June 2001
Click here to download GCAE Newsletter June 2001
Read MoreColombian Law against discrimination of PWE
Congreso de Colombia Ley 1414 11-11-2010 “Por la cual se establecen medidas especiales de protección para las personas que padecen epilepsia, se dictan los principios y lineamientos para su atención integral” El Congreso de Colombia Decreta Capítulo I Objeto, principios, prohibición e infraestructura y reglamentación Articulo 1°. Objeto. La presente ley tiene por objeto garantizar [...]
Read MoreMental Health GAP newsletter January 2011
Welcome to mhGAP News! This newsletter will be published by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, WHO, twice a year. mhGAP Newsletter will keep you up to date with what’s happening – and what we’re planning – in the mental health Gap Programme (mhGAP) of WHO. This programme has the objective of scaling [...]
Read MoreWHO mhGAP Video and Podcast with Dr Margaret Chan and Dr Shichuo Li
Dr Shichuo Li, Co Chair of the Global Campaign Against Epilepsy and President of the China Association Against Epilepsy meets with Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director General Following the recent launch of the WHO Mental Health Intervention Guide to make care more acceptable, as an activity of the mhGAP project, the WHO has created a [...]
Read MoreSlides from launch of Intervention Guide
Click here to download a copy of the slides of Dr. Shekhar Saxena, WHOs Director of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, which were presented at the launch of the Intervention Guide on the treatment of mental and neurological disorders on Thursday 7th October in Geneva. This presentation demonstrates important points about the [...]
Read MoreWHO introduces new Intervention Guide
Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization, Mike Glynn and Nico Moshé, Co-Chairs of the Global Campaign Against Epilepsy PRESS RELEASE (Please scroll down to read the full text of Dr. Chan message) New intervention guide to facilitate the management of depression, alcohol use disorders, epilepsy and other common mental disorders in the [...]
Read MoreAccess to Treatment for People Living with Epilepsy: Initiating A National Control Program in Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Written by: Dr. Hubert Barennes, Dr. Peter Odermatt with the collaboration of: Professor Chong Tin Tan, Professor Pierre-Marie Preux, Dr. Duc-Si Tran, Assoc Professor Kongsap, Dr Valy Kelouangkhot, Dr Philaysack Naphayvong In Lao Peoples Democratic Republic (Lao RDP), as in many developing countries epilepsy is a neglected chronic condition. Since 2003 the Francophone Institute of [...]
Read MoreEpilepsy in Lao PDR: From research to treatment
Hubert Barennes MD PhD, Duc-Si Tran, Vattanaphone Latthaphasavang MD, Pierre Marie Preux MD PhD, Peter Odermatt PhD MPH Epilepsy in Lao Peoples Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) is a neglected condition. After 5 years of research, we established some baseline information for people living with epilepsy in Lao PDR. Prevalence was 7.7 per thousand population. Stigma [...]
Read MorePremature mortality in people with epilepsy in rural China
Ding Ding, Wenzhi Wang, Jianzhong Wu, Guangyu Ma, Xiuying Dai, Bin Yang, Taiping Wang, Chenglin Yuan, Zhen Hong, Hanneke M de Boer, Leonid Prilipko, Josemir W Sander Background: In China, few studies have described annual mortality associated with epilepsy in a general population and these have provided a range of 3·07·9 deaths per 100 000 [...]
Read MoreAssessment of the efficacy of Phenobarbital on a large community-based intervention for epilepsy care in rural China
W Z Wang, J Z Wu, G Y Ma, X Y Dai, B Yang, T P Wang, C L Yuan, Z Hong, G S Bell, L Prilipko, H M de Boer, and J W Sander Summary: Background Many people with epilepsy need not experience further seizures if the diagnosis and treatment are correct. Most epilepsy [...]
Read MoreThe prevalence and treatment Gap in Epilepsy in Senegal
N.F. Ndoyea, A.G. Diopa, assisted by other members of the Senegalese League Against Epilepsy Research Teama, secretariat and collaborators ILAE/IBE/WHO Global Campaign Against Epilepsy. B. Sessouma, L. Boissy, K. Touré, M Ndiaye, I.P. Ndiaye, Clinique Neurologique, CHU Fann, BP 5035, Dakar, Senegal. H. de Boer, J. Engel, C. Mandlhate, H. Meinardi, L. Prilipko, J.W. Sander [...]
Read MoreEpilepsy stigma perception in an urban area of a limited-resource country
Paula T. Fernandes, Priscila C.B. Salgado, Ana L.A. Noronha, Hanneke M. de Boer, Leonid Prilipko, Josemir W. Sander, Li M. Li Objective: To estimate the perception of stigma attached to epilepsy in an urban society of a limited-resource country, Brazil. Methods: We applied a validated Stigma Scale of Epilepsy (SSE) cross-sectionally to 1850 people from [...]
Read MorePrevalence and Pattern of Epilepsy Treatment in Different Socioeconomic Classes in Brazil
Ana L. A. Noronha, Moacir A. Borges, Lucia H. N. Marques, Dirce M. T. Zanetta, Paula T. Fernandes, Hanneke de Boer, Javier Esp?ndola, Claudio T. Miranda, Leonid Prilipko, Gail S. Bell, Josemir W. Sander, and Li M. Li Summary: Purpose: The worldwide prevalence of epilepsy is variable, estimated at 10//1,000 people, and access to treatment [...]
Read MoreThe prevalence and treatment gap in epilepsy in China
W.Z. Wang, J.Z. Wu, D.S. Wang, X.Y. Dai, B. Yang, T.P. Wang, C.L. Yuan, R.A. Scott, L.L. Prilipko, H.M De Boer, J.W. Sander The authors carried out a door-to-door survey to determine the prevalence of epilepsy amongst 55,000 people in China. The lifetime prevalence was 7.0/1000 and 41% of all persons had not received any [...]
Read MoreAssessing the Disease Burden Due to Epilepsy by Disability
Ding Ding, Zhen Hong, Wen-zhi Wang, Jian-zhong Wu, Hanneke M. De Boer, Leonid Prilipko, and Josemir W. Sander Purpose: To demonstrate the application of Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) as an aid in health outcome measures to evaluate the epilepsy disease burden in rural China and to provide Chinese data to achieve a better understanding [...]
Read MoreAddress by Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland
Address by Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, Director-General, World Health Organization at the launch of the Second Phase of the ILAE/IBE/WHO Global Campaign Against Epilepsy: Out of the Shadows Click here to read this document.
Read MoreWHO Cabinet Paper December 1999
Click here to download the WHO Cabinet Paper December 1999
Read MoreGCAE Brochure 2003
A Global Campaign Against Epilepsy is much needed the burden of epilepsy is underestimated and the means available to reduce it are underutilized. The problem is too complex to be solved by individual organizations.The three leading international organizations working in epilepsy have therefore joined forces to bring epilepsy out of the shadows. The Campaign [...]
Read MoreThe Wife of a Bicycle Mechanic
This article tells the stories of Jewati and Rajiv. Jewati is a person with epilepsy. This waif-like young woman lives in India but her story could have happened in any developing country because epilepsy is everywhere and so are the problems that go with it. Rajiv is 20 years old. About five years ago he [...]
Read MoreThe Treatment of Epilepsy in Developing Countries
Bridging the treatment gap and reducing the burden of epilepsy is not straightforward and faces many constraints. Cultural attitudes, a lack of prioritization, poor health system infrastructure, and inadequate supplies of antiepileptic drugs all conspire to hinder appropriate treatment. Nevertheless, there have been successful attempts to provide treatment, which have shown the importance of community-based [...]
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From Prejudice to Hope
Epilepsy, which is probably the oldest recorded medical illness, has evoked varied reactions ranging from mystery to fear. It has even been seen as messages from the supernatural. However, people with epilepsy and their families have suffered ostracism by society and deprived of treatment, leading to frequent injuries and, sometimes, death. It is estimated that [...]
Read MoreThe CREST Study
This project involved ethnographic studies to explore prevailing beliefs and attitudes to epilepsy in two developing countries, China and Vietnam. The project defined theoretical models of stigma and its link to disease burden; and validated, culturally specific measures of outcome were formulated for use in future intervention studies. To find out more click here
Read MoreEpilepsy in the WHO European Region – Fostering Epilepsy Care in Europe.
In Europe, at least 6 million people have epilepsy, and 15 million Europeans will have one seizure at some time in their lives. Nevertheless, in some countries of Europe, epilepsy is not recognized as a brain disorder, and up to 40% of people with this condition may be untreated – the treatment gap. This regional [...]
Read MoreEpilepsy in Africa
Epilepsy in Africa By assessing the progress made on the implementation of the Campaign Epilepsy, Out of the Shadows in the African Region, this document draws a picture of the present situation and explores mechanisms to involve more Member States and their partners in activities to combat stigma, restore dignity and reduce the treatment gap [...]
Read MoreEpilepsy in the Eastern Mediterranean Region – Bridging the gap
Click here to download this report. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders and knows no geographical, racial or social boundaries. It can begin at any age, but is most frequently diagnosed in children, adolescents and the elderly. Epilepsy provides the finest example of a neurological disorder for which cost-effective treatment is available. [...]
Read MoreEpilepsy in the WHO South East Asian Region – Bridging the gap
Epilepsy affects about 1% of the population of the South-East Asia Region of WHO thus there are approximately 15 million people with epilepsy in the Region. Despite global advances in modern medicine, epilepsy continues to be surrounded by myths and misconceptions. Patients with epilepsy may be taken to faith healers rather than medical doctors, and [...]
Read MoreEpilepsy in the Western Pacific Region: Call to Action
The burden of epilepsy in the Western Pacific Region of WHO is as extensive and serious as in any other region of the world. Epidemiological surveys in several countries have shown high incidence and prevalence of epilepsy, with high associated disability and high rates of serious complications, including physical injury and premature mortality. Studies have [...]
Read MoreInforme sobre la Epilepsia en Latinoamérica
Este informe es un documento técnico sobre la situación de la epilepsia a nivel regional de las Américas, que fue promovido por la Organización Panamericana de la Salud, el Departamento de Salud Mental y Abuso de Sustancias de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), la Liga Internacional Contra la Epilepsia (ILAE) y el Buró [...]
Read MoreEastern Mediterranean Region report published
The eagerly awaited launch of the regional report Epilepsy in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region Bridging the Gap took place during the 2nd East Mediterranean Epilepsy Congress in Dubai at the beginning of March. Both Global Campaign co chairs Prof Nico Moshé (ILAE) and Mr Mike Glynn (IBE) were in attendance while the [...]
Read MoreEpilepsy in North America
A Report Prepared under the Auspices of the Global Campaign against Epilepsy, the International Bureau for Epilepsy, the International League Against Epilepsy, and the World Health Organization about Epilepsy in North America. William H. Theodore, Susan S. Spencer, Samuel Wiebe, John T. Langfitt, Amza Ali, Patricia O. Shafer, Anne T. Berg, and Barbara G. Vickrey [...]
Read MoreContacts for Regional Offices
Click here to check the contacts for the Regional Offices
Read MoreRegional Reports
To gather the information on national resources for epilepsy a questionnaire was developed by a number of experts, covering the profile of epilepsy care available in different countries. This information has been included in the Regional Reports on the implementation of the GCAE in several WHO regions. These are working papers and provide basic knowledge [...]
Read MoreWHO appoints new Regional Director for Europe
The WHO has just announced the appointment of the new WHO Regional Director for Europe. The appointment was made during the 126th session of the WHO Executive Board, which was held in Geneva on 19th January 2010. The newly appointed Director for Europe is Mrs Zsuzsanna Jakab, a Hungarian national, was previously Director of the [...]
Read MoreGlobal Campaign Survey Report 2008
This survey was conducted to quantify activity undertaken at national/local level in support of or on behalf of the Global Campaign against Epilepsy and to make a limited assessment about the impact of that activity. Click here to download this survey.
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Global Campaign against Epilepsy: IBE perspective
This document presents the IBE perspective of the ILAE/IBE/WHO Global Campaign against Epilepsy. Click here to download this article.
Read MoreEpilepsy in Western Pacific
Epilepsy is a disorder considered in the 2001 WHO Regional Strategy for Mental Health. Member States in the Region were urged to develop national policies and plans to improve awareness and understanding, to reduce the burden of the disorder and to develop preventive strategies. Starting with some general considerations about epilepsy and moving to the [...]
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