Another significant step has been taken in the epilepsy communitys efforts to ensure that people with epilepsy have access to the care and services they need. At the recent meeting of the Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Washington, the member nations of North and South America and the Caribbean region passed a resolution supporting the Strategy and Plan of Action on Epilepsy. This action formally establishes epilepsy as a health care priority in the region.
A great deal of gratitude is due to Carlos Acevedo (IBE Secretary General) and Marco Medina (Honduras) who, together with Dr Jorge Rodriguez of PAHO has worked over many months and with complete dedication to create the Strategic Plan for Epilepsy that has now been approved by PAHO.
This success was also facilitated by the combined efforts of IBE, ILAE and the WHO under the banner of the joint Global Campaign Against Epilepsy initiative.
The goal of the strategic plan is to strengthen an integrated response to develop lifelong programs for people with epilepsy that will include prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Some of the driving principles behind the resolution include universal access to care, respect for human rights and protection of vulnerable populations, while maintaining respect for the historical and cultural identities of the communities.
The resolution requires that the member nations develop plans and show progress in implementing such plans over the next ten years.
Click here to read the PAHO Strategic Plan for Epilepsy document.