Madam He Luli, the former Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the Honorary President of the China Association Against Epilepsy.
Dr She Jing, Vice Minister of Health
Dr Li Shichuo, President of the China Association Against Epilepsy
It is a pleasure to take part in this important event to celebrate the 3rd International Epilepsy Caring Day, the Global Campaign Against Epilepsy was adopted in the International Epilepsy Conference in 1997, in Dublin, Ireland, and as you know the theme for this year is "Caring for Patients and Guiding Treatment".
There are 40-50 million people suffering from epilepsy in the world today (9 million in China), 85% of whom live in developing countries. An estimated two million new cases occur each year globally. At least 50% of the cases begin at childhood or adolescence. 70 to 80% of people with epilepsy could live normal lives if properly treated. However, in developing countries 60 to 90% of people with epilepsy receive no treatment due to inadequacies in health care resources and delivery, and due to social stigma and discrimination
The Global Campaign Against Epilepsy has supported a number of important initiatives in the Western Pacific Region, which include the launching of a demonstration project titled "Epilepsy Management at a Primary Health Level" in China.
The demonstration project on epilepsy management was implemented in rural areas in six provinces in China covering 3.2 million people. The results from the demonstration project demonstrate that it is effective and feasible to treat patients with epilepsy by providing basic training to primary care physicians and by using inexpensive medication. The educational component was aimed at community leaders, public, media and patients to understand the cause of epilepsy and make them to understand that epilepsy is a treatable disorder.
I am very pleased that the demonstration project on epilepsy management has been successfully carried out in China and it has produced a good model for other developing countries. I understand that Chinese Government has extended this program to 15 Provinces covering 40 million people, and over 30 thousand people with epilepsy are now being treated with the government funds.
On behalf of the World Health Organization, I would like to congratulate the China Association Against Epilepsy for publishing " the Green Book of Prevention and Control of Epilepsy in China". This book provides good strategic recommendation to the Chinese Government for developing relevant policies for epilepsy prevention and control.
Finally, I wish the 3rd International Epilepsy Caring Day a great success and would like to inform you that WHO is ready to support you, and to support China, in this fight against epilepsy — now and in the future.
Thank you