Empowering Epilepsy: Bridging the Gap in Global Care and Eradicating Stigma
Behind Our Mission
Welcome to our vibrant Epilepsy International community! We're here to tackle the challenges head-on and make a real difference in the lives of individuals living with Epilepsy. Did you know that a staggering 80% of those affected reside in resource-poor, developing countries? But don't worry, we see this as an opportunity to create positive change!
In these regions, access to crucial Epilepsy care is currently limited, leaving a significant portion of individuals untreated. But we believe that together, we can change that! Our dedicated team is determined to bridge the gap by providing access to essential equipment like EEG machines and CT scanners. We won't rest until these life-changing resources are available even in the remotest rural villages and urban slums.
Beyond expanding resources, we recognize that dispelling negative stigma is just as crucial. It's time to break the barriers and show the world that Epilepsy is nothing to be feared or misunderstood. No more labeling people having seizures as possessed or spreading misinformation about its contagiousness – we're on a mission to change these perceptions!
We have a special focus on Africa and South America, where Epilepsy care and support are particularly limited. Together with the World Health Organization, we've produced an inspiring video that sheds light on the disparities faced by Epileptic individuals in these regions. Check it out below and get ready to be part of the positive change that we're bringing to the world!
Join us in our energetic and optimistic quest to empower Epileptic individuals worldwide. Together, we can make a lasting impact and ensure that everyone has access to the care and support they deserve. Let's go!
Breaking Epilepsy Disparities: Empowering Developing Nations
In this inspiring video by the World Health Organization, the focus is addressing Epilepsy disparities in developing countries, particularly in Africa and South America. Highlighting the limited access to essential equipment and care for individuals with Epilepsy in resource-poor regions, the WHO passed the Intersectoral global action plan on Epilepsy and other neurological disorders 2022–2031 (iGAP), which aims to work with NGOs, like Epilepsy International and other key stakeholders to help people with Epilepsy in low-resource countries. Together we aim to emphasize the urgent need to combat the negative stigma and misinformation surrounding Epilepsy to ensure better support and understanding for those affected.
Fueled by Inequities: How Extensive Research in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America Drives Our Mission to Bridge the Epilepsy Care Gap and Eradicate Stigma Worldwide
Epilepsy treatment in sub-Saharan Africa: closing the gap
In sub-Saharan Africa, shortages of trained health workers, limited diagnostic equipment, inadequate anti-epileptic drug supplies, cultural beliefs, and social stigma contribute to the large treatment gap for epilepsy. The number of people with epilepsy, particularly children, will continue to rise as a result of projected epidemiologic and demographic changes. Through examining the state of epilepsy care and treatment in sub-Saharan Africa, Epilepsy International discusses priorities and approaches to scale up access to medications and services for people with Epilepsy with other key stakeholders, such as local governments, the African Union, and the WHO.
Stigma, Epilepsy, and Quality of Life
Despite advances in the understanding and treatment of epilepsy within the past several decades, people with this disorder continue to be stigmatized by it. Though attitudes toward people with epilepsy have improved over the years, for many people with epilepsy, stigma continues to adversely impact their psychological well-being and quality of life. The stigma of epilepsy can be linked to a number of factors, including under-resourced medical services, poor seizure control, and inadequate knowledge of epilepsy. Neither informal stigma nor formal discrimination is inevitable for epilepsy patients; however, for many individuals, epilepsy remains a defining feature of their identity, and such issues are a source of considerable concern for a number of patients. Therein, Epilepsy International works relentlessly to advocate for better protection and support for people with Epilepsy in low-resource areas, while also educating communities about the condition.
Report on Epilepsy in Latin America and the Caribbean
In Latin America, approximately two-thirds of the countries do not have a health sector program or action plan to treat epilepsy, which constitutes a critical problem for planning and being able to undertake organized, coherent and comprehensive interventions with prospects for the short, medium, and long term. Some 80% of LAC countries do not have legislation related to epilepsy. Furthermore, discriminatory legal regulations with no scientific basis still persist; for example, 46% of the countries have legal restrictions such that a person with epilepsy can not obtain a driver’s license. This means that the human and civil rights of people with epilepsy are frequently violated. Our chapters in Latin America work tirelessly with local governments and health ministries to develop Epilepsy Action plans while advocating for systematic change that will benefit Epileptics perpetually.