The Launch of the first Phase of the ILAE/IBE/WHO Global Campaign against Epilepsy “Out of the Shadows” took place in WHO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland in June 1997 and in Dublin, Ireland during the International Epilepsy Congress in July of the same year. During the initial period (1997-2001) the essential focus of the Campaign was on advocacy and raising awareness.

The 2nd phase of the Campaign (2001-2005) was launched in Geneva, Switzerland on 12 February 2001 under the joint-chairmanship of Hanneke de Boer (the Netherlands) and Jerome Engel jr(USA). The WHO was represented on commitee by the late Dr. Leonid L.Prilipko. During the 2nd Phase of the Campaign the focus shifted towards the development of Demonstration Projects which aim at assisting Departments of Health in the development of national programmes on Epilepsy. By 2004, activities and events in 85 countries were held under the banner of the Global Campaign. Demonstration projects were successfully completed in China, Zimbabwe, Senegal and Brazil.

In 2005 Philip Lee (UK) and Giuliano Avanzini (Italy) took over the roles of co-chairs of the GCAE committee. The World Health Organization representative role was taken up by Dr Tarun Dua.

To read more about the current activities of the Global Campaign, please see ‘Activites’ in the GCAE section.