World Health Organisation in new global commitment to tackle epilepsy

3 February, 2015 Yesterday marked a huge step forward in getting an international commitment to tackle epilepsy on a world-wide basis. A new resolution to prioritise epilepsy care in a coordinated way around the world was approved by the Executive Board of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The resolution received strong support and calls on member states of WHO to take action to tackle epilepsy care. It places equal importance on both medical care and the social aspects of living with epilepsy. It also focuses on everyone epilepsy impacts on including people with epilepsy and those who care for them.

As part of the resolution, it has been suggested that WHO should put together plans and documents which member states can use to implement the actions set out in the resolution.

The Executive Board, which approved the resolution, is made up of 34 health professionals from each member state. Given members' specialist knowledge it is able to give direction to the priorities, decisions and policies of WHO. Its recommendation for the resolution will be submitted to a meeting of WHO's General Assembly in May.

Twenty-eight countries spoke in support of the resolution and suggestions were put forward to strengthen the resolution. Some of the statements from members states were extremely strong and supported the need for improved healthcare services and measures to reduce stigma and discrimination.

Philip Lee, chief executive of Epilepsy Action, said: "This new resolution is excellent news for people with epilepsy across the world. It will highlight the impact of epilepsy and the action needed at a country level to tackle the health and social problems associated with the condition.

"Epilepsy Action is a member of the International Bureau of Epilepsy (IBE) and collectively we have supported the need for this resolution to ensure that the voice of epilepsy is heard across the globe."

source: https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/