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IBE Launches New Global Policy Advocacy Report at the World Health Assembly
The International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) will today launch a major new global policy advocacy report at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, calling for urgent and coordinated international action to address the real-world needs, rights, and priorities of people living with epilepsy. [...]
From Silos to Synergies: Advancing Epilepsy and Rare Disease Policy in Europe
On 2 December 2025, the European Parliament became a meeting place for dialogue, reflection and renewed ambition as policymakers, clinicians, researchers, patient organisations and people with lived experience came together to explore how Europe can better respond to epilepsy and rare diseases. Co-organised by the [...]
UNGA80: Securing a Global Commitment on NCDs and Mental Health
The UN will convene their High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases (HLM4) on 25 September in New York, where Heads of State and Government will set a new vision to prevent and control NCDs towards 2030 and 2050. The outcome—a political declaration to be decided during [...]
IBE-Africa Chapter Convention: Advancing Epilepsy Advocacy in Africa: From Policy to People
15th-17th May 2025 Lusaka, Zambia Download Report
Established in 1961, the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) is an international organisation for national epilepsy organisations (IBE chapters) that exists to provide support for a strong global network, encourage the development of new chapters in underserved areas of the world, and to encourage communication and collaboration among all members so as to meet our mission and vision.
Our members are patient/family focused and driven organisations and we work collaboratively with our professional and government partners worldwide.
Our strategic priorities are to ensure that epilepsy is
recognised as a health priority worldwide; that the human and civil rights of people with epilepsy are enhanced and protected wherever they might live; that people with epilepsy are empowered to maximise quality of life; and that research into prevention, treatment, care and consequences of epilepsy are promoted.
We work to achieve these priorities through a range of programs including:
- Public Information and Health Education
- Advocacy
- International Best Practice Exchange
- Helping Build Communities of Care
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What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is one of the most common serious diseases affecting more than 50 million people globally. There are many difference causes for epilepsy including genetic disposition, head trauma or brain tumour.
Epilepsy affects almost every aspect in the life of the person diagnosed with the disease. For many people with epilepsy, the stigma attached to the disease is more difficult to deal with than the disease itself.
People with epilepsy have a 3-6 times greater risk of premature death. Many of the deaths from epilepsy could be prevented with appropriate medication and treatment.
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