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Epilepsy,
which is probably the oldest recorded medical illness, has evoked varied
reactions ranging from mystery to fear. It has even been seen as messages from the supernatural. However, people with epilepsy
and their families have suffered ostracism by society and deprived of
treatment, leading to frequent injuries and sometimes, death. It is estimated
that there are 40 million people with epilepsy in developing countries, many
of them in the South-East Asia Region.
Advances in medical sciences have enhanced the
understanding of epilepsy. We now know why it occurs, in some cases what
causes it, how to treat it and how best to care for the patient. Unfortunately,
despite the availability of effective and inexpensive medicines and treatment
regimens, many patients in the Region are not getting the full benefit of
appropriate treatment. The World Health Organization, in partnership with the International League Against Epilepsy, and the International Bureau for Epilepsy, has launched a world-wide programme, “Global
campaign against epilepsy: out of the shadows”, to create
awareness, remove myths and misconceptions and make available appropriate care and treatment to people with epilepsy world-wide. The WHO Regional Office for
South-East Asia is committed to this partnership. Our objective is to
support countries in the Region to reach even remote and rural areas and
marginalized populations and to help people with epilepsy lead normal lives.
As we take courage from the fact that 70 to 80% of people
with epilepsy can lead normal lives if properly treated, it is time to
introspect as to why 80 to 90% of people with epilepsy are not being treated
at all. We must find answers and take appropriate action now. It is only then
that people with epilepsy can emerge from the shadows. The manual “Epilepsy:
Out of the Shadows – from prejudice to hope” prepared by a panel of
experts from the South East Asian Region, provides valuable information for
the layman and policy-makers regarding multi-faceted aspects of epilepsy and
how to cope with the challenges posed by this mystified and misunderstood
illness.
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