7th Asian & Oceanian Epilepsy Congress, Xiamen, China 2008
Special Programme for People with Epilepsy

Now a well-established activity of the biennial Asian & Oceanian Epilepsy Congress programme, the Special Programme for People with Epilepsy was again conducted over two days during the 7th Asian & Oceanian Epilepsy Congress in Xiamen, China in mid-May.

It is good to report that the event was once again very successful with more than 60 participants. An initiative of IBE’s Regional Committees South East Asia and Western Pacific, Dr PK Sethi, (Chair, South East Asia) and Dr Hidemoto Kubota (Chair, Western Pacific) had made available funds from their budgets to support the attendance of up to two participants from each country in the region.
Ms Anchor Hung (Vice President South East Asia) and Dr Shung-Lon Lai (Vice President Western Pacific), who are also members of their respective Regional Executive Committees provided terrific support to the Chairs in undertaking much of the organisation of the event and the programme they created was very well received.

PROGRAMME

Presentation of Outstanding Persons Awards
Chairs: Dr MM Mehndiratta (India) and Dr Marshal Mo-Song Hsi (Taiwan)
A highlight of the programme was the presentation of Outstanding Persons Awards to Fang-Chih Chi (Taiwan), Rose Marie M Espina (Philippines), Ming Ying Goi (Singapore), Pang Hoi Keung (Hong Kong), Ting-ting Lu (China), Moses Ong (Singapore), Xiao-fei Shang (China) and Carol De Souza (India). Each recipient was recognized for their achievements and detailed their special and wonderful stories to the group.

Recipients of the Outstanding Persons Awards

Sharing of Asian & Oceanian Experiences

Chairs: Dr Mike Hills (New Zealand) and Dr Muzharul Mannan (Bangladesh)
Speakers:
Dr VS Saxena (India): Epilepsy Distance Learning in India
Ms Lisa Todd (Australia): Capacity Building Programs for Community Leaders in Australia
Dr Ding Ding (China): Forming a Support Group in Shanghai
Mr Robert Cole (Australia): Tips to Expand your Organization

A popular fixture of the programme, the Sharing of Asian & Oceanian Experiences, brought animated discussion as always. The session was very informative and detailed programs that have been established as well as forming support groups and expansion of your organisation. The speakers provided valuable information and insights.

Robert Cole delivering his presentation

IBE Initiatives in South East Asia & Western Pacific
Chairs: Dr Hidemoto Kubota (Japan) and Dr PK Sethi (India)
Speakers:
Susanne Lund (IBE President): Current status of IBE and the Promotion of the Region
Dr Wang Wenzhi (China): The ILAE/IBE/WHO Global Campaign Against Epilepsy Project in China
Dr A Tovuudorj (Mongolia): IBE Promising Strategy Program in Mongolia
Dr MM Mehndiratta (India): AOEA, the Tradition and the Promise

Speaking to the topic “IBE Initiatives in South East Asia & Western Pacific” IBE resident, Susanne Lund detailed the IBE programs and promotion within the region, while Dr Wang Wenzhi (China), Dr Tovuudorj (Mongolia) and Dr Mehndiratta (India) explained some of the initiatives being undertaken in their respective countries.

IBE President, Susanne Lund and IBE Executive Director, Ann Little

Is the Name of Epilepsy in some Languages Causing Misconception & Stigma?
Chairs: Dr Shunglon Lai (Taiwan) and Ms Anchor Hung (Hong Kong)
Speakers:
Dr Wang Wenzhi (China): A Study on Stigma in China
Ms Anchor Hung (Hong Kong): A Study on Stigma in Hong Kong

“Is the Name of Epilepsy in some Languages causing Misconceptions & Stigma” raised a very important issue that was strongly debated. Dr Wang Wenzhi and Anchor Hung provided information and insights into stigma research. This was a though provoking session and canvassed the possibility of changing the Chinese name for epilepsy which causes a negative view of the condition and of persons with epilepsy. To address this issue a special Task Force has been established. There is no doubt that stigma is a key issue on a global level and this topic is sure to feature in many future discussions.

Panel Discussion:
Dr SC Li (China), Dr CT Tan (Malaysia), Dr SH Lim (Singapore), Dr J Fong (Hong Kong) and Dr MS Hsi (Taiwan).
This panel discussion also was most interesting and provided a forum for people to express their views and ask questions. The eminent panel was well received.

Left to Right: CT Tan (Malaysia), Anchor Hung (HK), SC LI (China), Shunglon Lai (Taiwan), SH Lim (Singapore), Marshal Hsi (Taiwan), Jason Fong (HK)

HOPE: Selfhelp Program for People with Epilepsy
Chairs: Dr VS Saxena (India) and Dr Mike Hills (New Zealand)
Speakers:
Dr Yuan-Fu Tseng (Taiwan): Introduction of the New Model
HOPE Ambassador: Ms Marion Clignet (France)
HOPE Ambassadors (Taiwan): Guo-Jr Yu and Shih-Min Li

Dr Yuan-Fu Tseng (Taiwan) introduced the HOPE program, a new model to support people with epilepsy and to help build confidence and self-belief. HOPE Ambassador, Marion Clignet (France), an Olympic cycling silver medalist, provided her inspiring, emotional and provoking story on her battle for recognition of epilepsy within the Olympic cycling fraternity. HOPE Ambassadors, Guo-Jr Yu and Shih-Minh Li from Taiwan shared their inspirational life stories with the group, demonstrating tremendous courage and determination; a fitting climax to a tremendous day of debate and reflection.

The 8th Asian and Oceanian Epilepsy Congress and Special Programme for People with Epilepsy will be held in Australia 2010.
We look forward to seeing you there.

Presentations
Click here to download the presentation given by Robert Cole, entitled “Growing Your Organisation” (File size: 1.3Mb)