The IBE welcomes the release of a new position paper from the OneNeurology Partnership—co-chaired by IBE CEO Donna Walsh—calling on UN Member States to formally recognise neurological conditions as a distinct pillar in the global response to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Published ahead of September’s Fourth UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health, the paper urges global health leaders to give brain health the political recognition and investment it urgently needs. Among the conditions highlighted, epilepsy stands out as one of the most common and treatable neurological disorders—and one of the most neglected.
Neurological Conditions: An Overlooked Priority in the Global NCD Response
Although neurological disorders collectively represent the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death globally, they remain largely absent from past UN Political Declarations on NCDs. Epilepsy, in particular, has been overlooked—despite the availability of safe, low-cost medications that could help the majority of people control their seizures. In low-income countries, more than 70% of people with epilepsy receive no treatment. This is not due to a lack of solutions but to a lack of prioritisation.
“The absence of epilepsy and other neurological conditions from previous declarations has had direct consequences for national funding. This is a pivotal moment to change that.”
What the Position Paper Calls For
Titled Ensuring Neurological Conditions are a Distinct Pillar in the NCD Response, the paper outlines three key recommendations to be included in the 2025 UN Political Declaration:
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Name epilepsy and other neurological conditions as priority NCDs.Move from a narrow “4×4” NCD model to a broader “5×5” framework that includes neurological conditions, explicitly referencing epilepsy.
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Align and resource WHO’s IGAP on Epilepsy.Reinforce political and financial support for the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (2022–2031), a WHO-endorsed roadmap with measurable global targets—including halving the epilepsy treatment gap by 2031. The paper urges inclusion of IGAP by name in the 2025 Declaration to strengthen its visibility and implementation.
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Engage people with lived experience.Ensure people living with epilepsy and other neurological conditions are meaningfully involved in shaping, implementing, and evaluating health policy.
A Cost-Effective and Equitable Investment
The paper emphasises that epilepsy care is among the most affordable and effective global health interventions. Epilepsy can also be prevented in up to 25% of cases. Yet the prevention and treatment gap persists because of low awareness, insufficient training in primary care, and a lack of political visibility. Elevating epilepsy within the NCD agenda would not only save lives; it would also strengthen health systems and promote equity.
“Inexpensive medications can effectively treat most people with epilepsy, but a lack of investment has left many undiagnosed, untreated, and stigmatised.”
A United Voice for Brain Health
The position paper represents a unified effort across the global neurology community. Bringing together the perspectives of stakeholders from across disciplines; the paper offers technical guidance, clear data and ready-to-use language to support negotiators in further embedding neurology in the final Political Declaration.
“This paper offers a roadmap,” says IBE CEO and Co-Chair of OneNeurology, Donna Walsh. “It equips decision-makers with the evidence and tools they need to make brain health, including epilepsy, a global health priority.”
IBE’s Commitment
As a founding member of OneNeurology and long-time advocate for epilepsy on the world stage, IBE stands ready to support Member States and the World Health Organization in translating these recommendations into action. Recognising epilepsy in the 2025 Political Declaration—alongside full implementation of IGAP—would pave the way for integrated care, improved access to essential medicines, and a more just and inclusive future for the 50 million people living with epilepsy worldwide.