Launch of the Advocate’s Toolkit to Make Epilepsy a Priority in the Americas
Next Thursday, September 5, 2024, the official launch of the “Advocate’s Toolkit to Make Epilepsy a Priority in the Americas” will take place during a special webinar event.
This important resource has been co-developed by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to address the pressing issues faced by people with epilepsy across the Americas. It will be a key tool in raising awareness and prioritizing the needs of those affected by epilepsy in the Americas.
The collaboration between PAHO and IBE is crucial in addressing the high burden of epilepsy, promoting human rights, and ensuring equitable healthcare access, thereby improving outcomes for those affected by epilepsy in this region.
The “Advocate’s Toolkit” was created to foster stakeholder engagement aimed at reducing stigma, enhancing social inclusion, and improving access to healthcare and treatment for people with epilepsy. It offers information, strategies, examples, and templates to assist advocates in crafting effective advocacy approaches.
The launch event will introduce participants to the toolkit, and will feature members of IBE’s Latin American Regional Committee Alicia Bogacz, Keryma Acevedo and Maria Marta Bertone, as well as IBE President, Francesca Sofia – alongside representatives of WHO/PAHO/National Ministries.
In anticipation of the launch, @Maria Marta Bertone, President, Fundación de Hemisferectomía (FundHemi) stated: “The toolkit is a vital strategic resource for positioning epilepsy as a critical public health issue. By focusing on management, advocacy, and awareness, it empowers key civil society stakeholders to develop innovative strategies and implement effective campaigns that enhance treatment access, reduce the care gap, and promote inclusive health policies for people with epilepsy. Sharing best practices across our continent will bring us closer to finding adaptable solutions at various levels, all aimed at the same goal: improving health outcomes for people with epilepsy and their caregivers throughout the Americas.”
The event will be held in both Spanish and English, with simultaneous translation available, ensuring accessibility for all participants.
How to Participate
Date: Thursday, September 5, 2024
Time: 11:00 am (Washington DC time)
- 9:00 a.m. – Belmopan, Guatemala City, Managua, Mexico City, San Jose (CR), San Salvador, Tegucigalpa,
- 10:00 a.m. – Bogota, Kingston, Lima, Panama City, Quito
- 11:00 a.m. – Asunción, Bridgetown, Caracas, Georgetown, Havana, La Paz, Port of Spain, Port-au-Prince, Nassau, Ottawa, Santiago, San Juan, Santo Domingo
- 12: 00 p.m. – Buenos Aires, Brasilia, Montevideo, Paramaribo.
Registration: You can register using the following link: REGISTER HERE