International Epilepsy Day is annually observed across the globe on the 2nd Monday of February to raise awareness of Epilepsy and its impact on individuals, families and communities around the world.
International Epilepsy Day 2023 is observed on 13th February 2023.
- International Epilepsy Day 2022 was observed on 14th February 2022.
- International Epilepsy Day 2024 will be observed on 12th February 2024.
The theme of International Epilepsy Day 2023 is “Stigma”.
- The Campaign of International Epilepsy Day 2023 is #StampOutStigma of epilepsy.
Background:
i. International Epilepsy Day is a joint initiative by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) started in 2015.
ii. The 1st ever International Epilepsy Day was observed in 2015.
Symbol of Epilepsy:
- Lavender is recognised as the international flower of epilepsy, which represents epilepsy’s frequent associations with loneliness and isolation.
- The Colour of Epilepsy is Purple.
Epilepsy:
i. Epilepsy is a chronic noncommunicable disease of the brain that affects people of all ages.
ii. It affects about 50 million individuals globally, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally.
iii. People with epilepsy make up over 80% of the population in low- and middle-income nations.
iv. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 70% of people with epilepsy could avoid seizures if they were properly diagnosed and treated.
Facts:
i. Epilepsy is one of the world’s oldest recognized conditions, with written records dating back to 4000 BCE.
ii. Marcus Marci (1595–1667) described epilepsy as a condition in which the affected person’s mind is disordered and all, some, or only a portion of their body moves without their will.
WHO Response to Epilepsy:
i. The WHO adopted the Intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders 2022–2031 (IGAP) at the 75th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland.
- The collaboration between the WHO, the Member States, and non-State entities like the World Federation of Neurology (WFN), ILAE, IBE, and others have produced this milestone document.
ii. The IGAP aims to improve neurological problem patients’ access to care and treatment while reducing the risk of new cases and fostering brain development across the lifespan.
About the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE):
President- Francesca Sofia
Vice President- Natela Okujava
Headquarters- Dublin, Ireland
Establishment- 1961
About the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE):
President- J. Helen Cross
Vice President- Roberto Horacio Caraballo
Headquarters- Texas, United States of America (USA)
Establishment- 1909
