Eastern Mediterranean Declaration On Epilepsy

Cairo, 4 March, 2003

We call on th Global Campaign Against Epilepsy of the WHO/ILAE/IBE "Epilepsy: Out of the Shadows".

Specifically we urge action to:

- address the needs with respect to epilepsy in terms of prevention, access to trained personnel, modern diagnostic equipment, antiepileptic medication, surgical treatment where necessary, and social integration,

- include antiepileptic drugs in the list of essential drugs in all countries, and make them constantly available to avoid the serious consequences of treatment interruptions,

- educate and train health care and other relevant professionals and volunteers on all levels of health care about epilepsy,

- educate those affected by epilepsy, their families and the general public about epilepsy as a universal neurological condition, to eradicate misconceptions, and empower the affected to seek appropriate treatment and improve their quality of life,

- eliminate discrimination in all spheres of life, particularly concerning school and employment,

- encourage the public and private sectors and NGOs to get involved in the local activities of the Global Campaign Against Epilepsy,

- encourage basic and applied research on epilepsy as an integral part of epilepsy services on all levels,

- proclaim a National Epilepsy Day,

- encourage regional and international cooperation.