Dear Friends,

It is with a heavy heart that we, at the IBE, are following the evolution of the military action in Ukraine. 
While all our hopes are directed towards the quickest possible resolution, we cannot help but be deeply concerned for all people suffering from medical conditions and those with epilepsy who are in an inconceivably increased danger from this situation.
 
Together with our partners in the ILAE, we are mobilizing and liaising with NGOs who can arrange for the urgent supply of anti-seizure medications through humanitarian corridors within the territory of Ukraine.
 
However, it pains us to realize that this will not be enough because many people need assistance locally, which is lacking, while others are crossing borders and fleeing to countries where they do not know where to access the health care they need. 
 
In these darkest of hours, I am comforted by the empathy and solidarity that is spreading across our epilepsy community. I receive messages from people, families and associations who have offered to help in any way they can; many also living with severe epilepsy. These are messages that remind me how much humanity exists in this world. 

Please take a look at the joint statement below which further outlines IBE’s concerns, requests and immediate actions in coordinating, with ILAE, a response to this crisis for people with epilepsy in the region. 
 
We are very much open to working with all partners to address this situation. Please reach out if you believe we can work together to make difference. 

Francesca Sofia
IBE President

 

Joint Statement on behalf of International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE)

IBE and ILAE work with, and on behalf of, all people with epilepsy – wherever they live in the world – to promote care and treatment, to improve understanding and inclusion, and to address discrimination in all its forms.

ILAE and IBE are concerned about the impact of the current situation in Ukraine on the availability of treatment and access to care for people with epilepsy in the region.

We also know that an increase in seizures and epilepsy is likely as a result of conflict related injuries, infectious disease outbreaks and a rise in premature and complex births.

Additionally, we are concerned about the rights of people with epilepsy who often face increased discrimination, exclusion, and stigma during times of crises.

ILAE and IBE call on authorities and humanitarian responders to ensure uninterrupted supplies of critical and life-saving anti-seizure medicines.

ILAE and IBE further urge all to respect the neutrality and sanctity of medical personnel and health facilities during this conflict.

ILAE and IBE are working with our National Chapters in the region to assess the current needs of people with epilepsy affected by this situation.

ILAE and IBE are in communication with global humanitarian partners to establish mechanisms to ensure continued supply of appropriate anti-seizure medicines and to raise awareness of the need to actively address any discrimination against people with epilepsy or their families.

We encourage our partners who may be able to provide assistance to people with epilepsy and those who care for them in Ukraine to get in touch and work with us on a coordinated response from our community.

 

For more information or any enquiries, please contact:

International League Against Epilepsy: [email protected]
International Bureau for Epilepsy: [email protected]