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Health
Epilepsy
Epilepsy - the
propensity to have recurrent epileptic seizures - is very common,
and can affect anyone. Indeed, each of us has a one in thirty chance
of developing epilepsy in our lifetime.
Epilepsy is
the most common serious brain disorder in every country throughout
Europe, with an estimated 15 million people across the continent
having the condition at some time in their life. The economic impact
of epilepsy costs Europe an estimated €20 billion every year.
In March 2001,
John Bowis helped to launch a European White Paper on Epilepsy.
In it, epilepsy
experts called upon members of the European Parliament, the public
and the medical community to share their knowledge and unite in
action to improve the lives of the six million people with epilepsy
in Europe.
Eradication
of Stigma, Discrimination in the Workplace, and Inadequate Research
Funding are cited as three key focus areas requiring rapid improvement
across Europe. It is intended the White Paper will provide a platform
on which local epilepsy programmes can be built.
John Bowis said:
"This initiative is long overdue and provides us with the opportunity
to focus our minds on what can and needs to be achieved for those
with epilepsy. I cannot stress enough the urgency of action. Everyone,
regardless of position in society, can affect the change outlined
in this White Paper on Epilepsy.
"For maximum
impact, the White Paper must be taken up at local country level
where specific areas needing improvement must be identified. We
hope that the White Paper can act as a springboard from which local
action plans can be developed in accordance with their needs."
He continued:
"I'm demonstrating my personal commitment by setting up 'Parliamentary
Advocates for Epilepsy', a group of key MEPs specifically dedicated
to bringing epilepsy to the forefront of parliamentary health issues
and campaigning to improve existing legislation - particularly within
the workplace."
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