Speech by Dr Wiwat R, WR Mongolia at the 1st symposuim on Elipepsy on 20 September, 2012
Honorable Minister of Health Dr Udval
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Deputy president of Health Sciences University of Mongolia, Dr Otgonbayar
Distinguished Guests, Participants, Ladies and Gentleman,
Good morning!
The Mongolian Epilepsy Society, the Mongolian Epilepsy Association, the Health Sciences University of Mongolia and the National Center for Mental Health are actively promoting educational activities on epilepsy to improve quality of life of affected people. These activities help people with epilepsy and their family members by improving access to health care services and preventing stigma and discrimination.
Epilepsy is a major public health concern. It has significant economic implications in terms of health care-needs, lost work productivity and premature death. Most people affected by epilepsy in developing countries do not get the treatment they need, though there are evidences demonstrating that up to 70% of newly diagnosed children and adults with epilepsy can be successfully treated with anti-epileptic drugs; and after two to five years of successful treatment, drugs can be withdrawn in about 70% of children and 60% of adults without relapses.
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Though epilepsy care in Mongolia has been improving steadily in the recent years, there are still gaps that need to be addressed. We need to strengthen the capacity of health care workers, especially in rural areas; provide necessary equipment for diagnosis of epilepsy and ensure adequate supply of essential medicines, especially for the poor and disadvantaged people.
WHO will continue to work with global and local partners such as the International League Against Epilepsy, the International Bureau for Epilepsy, the Mongolian Epilepsy Society, and the Mongolian Epilepsy Association to support the global campaign in order to provide better information and raise awareness about epilepsy, and strengthen public and private efforts to improve care and reduce the impact of epilepsy in Mongolia.
Thank you