The Intersectoral Global Action Plan is a 10-year roadmap launched by the World Health Organisation to effectively address neurological conditions and improve the lives of people with epilepsy and other neurological conditions worldwide. As an EU member state, Ireland committed to the implementation of the plan and therefore, we believe that the Government and state bodies must ensure that the systems are put in place to ensure we meet the targets of the plan, to help improve the lives of the 45,000 people who are living with epilepsy across Ireland.
Why?
While Ireland has taken positive steps over the past decade or so in its response to improving epilepsy care, there is still much more work to be done. For example, we still have one of the lowest ratios of consultant neurologists per head of population in Europe; we need to better integrate clinical genetics into epilepsy diagnosis and treatment; expand our epilepsy surgery programme; embed new e-health technologies into clinical practice; and there is an urgent need to tackle preventable epilepsy deaths including those from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).
Ensuring that the IGAP is implemented in Ireland will lead to action on all the above, and indeed, the many other challenges which are facing people with epilepsy in Ireland. In addition, should Ireland take decisive action on this plan, we could set an example to other nations across the globe, thus not only improving the lives of people with epilepsy in Ireland, but the 50 million people living with epilepsy across the globe.
Where can I learn more about the IGAP?
At the end of this page, you can read and download the WHO IGAP in full. Our colleagues in the International Bureau for Epilepsy have also produced a IGAP guide which can be read and downloaded at the end of this page.
Latest News
The below are some of the latest updates on this matter and associated articles in the news section of our website where you can read more.
- September 2023 - Epilepsy Ireland meet with Taoiseach at State Reception to mark #IEC2023
- August 2023 - EI urge Government Action on Implementation of IGAP on Epilepsy & other Neurological Conditions
- July 2023 - World Health Organisation; New global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders published
- July 2022 - World Brain Day 2022 - Epilepsy Ireland write to Minister for Health regarding Global Action Plan on Epilepsy
- June 2022 - WHO adopt Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and other Neurological Conditions
- December 2020 - WHO to draft Global Action Plan on Epilepsy