Malta recently contributed to the ‘Fostering Epilepsy Care in Europe’ report, just published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and two international epilepsy organisations – the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE).
The report was launched during the recent Epilepsy and Society conference in Porto, Portugal. The conference was attended by committee members of Caritas Malta’s Epilepsy Association.
International Bureau of Epilepsy vice-president and Caritas Malta Epilepsy Association advisor Janet Mifsud was a contributor to the report’s education section.
The report has been developed as part of the IBE/ILAE/WHO Global Campaign Against Epilepsy (GCAE). It addresses the current challenges faced in epilepsy care in Europe and offers recommendations to tackle them, as well as providing a panoramic view of the present epilepsy situation across the continent.
It provides recommendations to improve the quality of care and understanding of epilepsy and reduce stigmatisation to help bring epilepsy out of the shadows.
“We are very excited about this report,” commented Matt Muijen, regional advisor for Mental Health and Brain Disorders of the WHO in the European region.
“We believe the recommendations will help countries develop activities to combat stigma, restore dignity and reduce the treatment gap for people with epilepsy in Europe.
The report is an advocacy tool and an instrument for dialogue with governments, healthcare providers, consumer associations, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions and development partners,” he said.
Epilepsy affects more than six million people in Europe but up to 40 per cent of people with the condition may still be untreated.
People with epilepsy, and sometimes their family members, are often stigmatised, generating a hidden burden which dis-courages them from seeking the diagnosis and care they require.
Stigma leads to discrimination and it is not uncommon for people with epilepsy to be denied access to education. Discrimination of people with epilepsy in the workplace is also not unusual.
Epilepsy is the clearest example of a neurological disorder for which effective, cost-efficient treatment is available. Recent studies show that, if properly treated, up to 70 per cent of people with this condition could be seizure-free and enjoying a higher quality of life.
The report not only identifies the current gaps in epilepsy care but provides cogent recommendations to address these challenges.
During the conference, Dr Mifsud was invited to give a talk about adverse effects of anti-epileptic drugs. European Regional Committee for Epilepsy member and Caritas Malta Epilepsy Association secretary Victoria Dimech was invited to talk about the social consequences of epilepsy.
The Caritas Malta Epilepsy Association also presented a poster on the in-service training being organised for Maltese teachers in conjunction with the Ministry of Education on epilepsy.
To access the report, visit www.ibe-epilepsy.org/news/eu ropean-epilepsy-report.