Dear Friends

I am very proud to have been elected Chair of the IBE Regional Executive Committee. This important position grants me both privileges and responsibilities. I am privileged to be able to witness at first hand the tremendous efforts being made by lay associations throughout Africa. In their valiant work they strive to improve the lives of people with epilepsy through the provision of medical and social services and through campaigns that aim to have the civil rights of people with epilepsy recognised. I am also in the envious position of being able to suggest and arrange meetings and joint activities among IBE members in Africa to facilitate the sharing of information and experience and you can find out more about these activities in the News and Reports pages.

My main responsibility is to ensure that our focus in Africa reflects our mission to work together with interested parties in order to improve the quality of life of people with epilepsy in Africa. This is the fastest growing region in IBE and in the past five years our membership has doubled. There are now 18 Full Members in the region, representing 18 African nations and within the next 12 months we expect to welcome at least 2 new members into the IBE fold.

We are living through very exciting times in Africa, although life still remains very difficult for many millions of people. However, I am confident that, with the support of the IBE members in Africa, we can come together to forge a better future for those affected by epilepsy.

Best wishes

Zenebe Gedlie Damtie
Chair
Regional Executive Committee Africa.