World Brain Day puts spotlight on epilepsy
Posted by
22-Jul-2015
The World Federation of Neurology celebrates World Brain Day every year. This year, the focus is on the most common chronic serious disease of the brain – epilepsy.
The Federation is working with the World Health Organization, the International League Against Epilepsy and the International Bureau for Epilepsy, as well as national neurology associations and patient support groups, to raise public awareness of the condition.
Epilepsy affects an estimated 65 million people worldwide. 80% of people with epilepsy in low and middle-income countries do not have access to medication. According to the World Federation of Neurology, with treatment, 70% of people with epilepsy could be seizure free.
There is growing momentum behind improved understanding of the disease and better outcomes for those affected. In May 2015 the WHO passed a resolution at the World Health Assembly renewing its commitment to addressing the global burden of epilepsy.
The Organization says people with epilepsy should receive timely treatment and can benefit from educational and occupational opportunities, free from stigma and discrimination.
Lack of identification and treatment for epilepsy imposes a huge social and financial burden on the individual, their family and their community, according to the World Federation of Neurology.
Experts say that ignorance and fear cause social isolation and prevent people with epilepsy from seeking treatment. Many healthcare providers do not have the training to recognise, diagnose or treat epilepsy.
UCB plays an active role in several countries where epilepsy is not always well understood.
We currently have multiple Corporate Societal Responsibility (CSR) projects running in China, Myanmar, Mozambique, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
UCB is committed to work with partners to reduce the force of stigma and present value creating medicines and solutions for people living with epilepsy so they have the opportunity to live life on their own terms.
The Federation is working with the World Health Organization, the International League Against Epilepsy and the International Bureau for Epilepsy, as well as national neurology associations and patient support groups, to raise public awareness of the condition.
Epilepsy affects an estimated 65 million people worldwide. 80% of people with epilepsy in low and middle-income countries do not have access to medication. According to the World Federation of Neurology, with treatment, 70% of people with epilepsy could be seizure free.
There is growing momentum behind improved understanding of the disease and better outcomes for those affected. In May 2015 the WHO passed a resolution at the World Health Assembly renewing its commitment to addressing the global burden of epilepsy.
The Organization says people with epilepsy should receive timely treatment and can benefit from educational and occupational opportunities, free from stigma and discrimination.
Lack of identification and treatment for epilepsy imposes a huge social and financial burden on the individual, their family and their community, according to the World Federation of Neurology.
Experts say that ignorance and fear cause social isolation and prevent people with epilepsy from seeking treatment. Many healthcare providers do not have the training to recognise, diagnose or treat epilepsy.
UCB plays an active role in several countries where epilepsy is not always well understood.
We currently have multiple Corporate Societal Responsibility (CSR) projects running in China, Myanmar, Mozambique, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
UCB is committed to work with partners to reduce the force of stigma and present value creating medicines and solutions for people living with epilepsy so they have the opportunity to live life on their own terms.
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