International Epilepsy Day is the opportunity for all stakeholders to join together and speak with one global voice. The objectives for International Epilepsy Day are:

• to raise awareness of the disease at international and government level as well as in the general public
• to strengthen the epilepsy movement by uniting epilepsy associations in a worldwide campaign
• to raise visibility on epilepsy and encourage discussion about epilepsy
• to provide epilepsy associations with a significant fundraising opportunity.

WHO Key facts

• Epilepsy is a chronic noncommunicable disease of the brain that affects people of all ages.
• Around 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally.
• Nearly 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries.
• It is estimated that up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could live seizure-free if properly diagnosed and treated.
• The risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is up to three times higher than for the general population.
• Three quarters of people with epilepsy living in low-income countries do not get the treatment they need.
• In many parts of the world, people with epilepsy and their families suffer from stigma and discrimination.

Source of info: International Epilepsy Day and WHO