TY - JOUR
T1 - Widening participation in the International League Against Epilepsy
T2 - Looking to the future
AU - Cross, J Helen
AU - Coleman, Lauren
AU - Oritz, Sebastian
AU - Ivaniuk, Alina
AU - Nome, Cecilie Gjessing
AU - Roza, Eugenia
AU - Shafer, Patricia O
AU - von Gaudecker, Jane
AU - Ryan, Chris
AU - Brinkmann, Benjamin H
AU - Neuray, Caroline
AU - Welty, Tim
AU - Wiebe, Samuel
AU - Guekht, Alla
N1 - © 2026 The Author(s). Epilepsia Open published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International League Against Epilepsy.
PY - 2026/6
Y1 - 2026/6
N2 - The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) is a global organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with epilepsy through education, research, and advocacy. Recognizing the need for broader engagement and multidisciplinary collaboration, the ILAE has established five sections: Young Epilepsy Section (YES), Nursing, Social Work and Social Services (SWSSS), Neurotechnology, and Pharmacy. These sections aim to strengthen professional networks, enhance education, and promote innovation in epilepsy care. YES fosters leadership and participation among early-career professionals, whereas the Nursing Section addresses gaps in epilepsy-specific training and competency development. SWSSS emphasizes psychosocial care, advocacy, and health equity, supporting Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) objectives through culturally sensitive interventions. The Neurotechnology section advances the integration and development of innovative tools for diagnosis and treatment, and the Pharmacy section focuses on optimizing medication management and access to antiseizure medications globally. Collectively, these sections contribute to the WHO IGAP by improving policy, care delivery, research, and public health responses. Looking ahead, ILAE seeks to expand multidisciplinary participation, encourage cross-sectional collaboration, and maintain its role as a leading force in global epilepsy care. Through these initiatives, ILAE continues to build capacity, foster inclusivity, and drive progress toward equitable, comprehensive epilepsy services worldwide. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) is the global organization responsible for all healthcare professionals involved in the care of those with epilepsy. Recognizing the increasing number of different disciplines now contributing to epilepsy care, and the need to develop professionals of the future, the ILAE has recognized "sections" of like-minded individuals to encourage networking and communication. Together, these sections contribute to the WHO Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) by improving policy, care delivery, research, and public health responses. Moving forward, the ILAE seeks to expand multidisciplinary participation, encourage collaboration, and maintain its role as a leading force in global epilepsy care.
AB - The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) is a global organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with epilepsy through education, research, and advocacy. Recognizing the need for broader engagement and multidisciplinary collaboration, the ILAE has established five sections: Young Epilepsy Section (YES), Nursing, Social Work and Social Services (SWSSS), Neurotechnology, and Pharmacy. These sections aim to strengthen professional networks, enhance education, and promote innovation in epilepsy care. YES fosters leadership and participation among early-career professionals, whereas the Nursing Section addresses gaps in epilepsy-specific training and competency development. SWSSS emphasizes psychosocial care, advocacy, and health equity, supporting Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) objectives through culturally sensitive interventions. The Neurotechnology section advances the integration and development of innovative tools for diagnosis and treatment, and the Pharmacy section focuses on optimizing medication management and access to antiseizure medications globally. Collectively, these sections contribute to the WHO IGAP by improving policy, care delivery, research, and public health responses. Looking ahead, ILAE seeks to expand multidisciplinary participation, encourage cross-sectional collaboration, and maintain its role as a leading force in global epilepsy care. Through these initiatives, ILAE continues to build capacity, foster inclusivity, and drive progress toward equitable, comprehensive epilepsy services worldwide. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) is the global organization responsible for all healthcare professionals involved in the care of those with epilepsy. Recognizing the increasing number of different disciplines now contributing to epilepsy care, and the need to develop professionals of the future, the ILAE has recognized "sections" of like-minded individuals to encourage networking and communication. Together, these sections contribute to the WHO Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) by improving policy, care delivery, research, and public health responses. Moving forward, the ILAE seeks to expand multidisciplinary participation, encourage collaboration, and maintain its role as a leading force in global epilepsy care.
KW - Epilepsy/therapy
KW - Global Health
KW - Humans
KW - International Agencies/organization & administration
U2 - 10.1002/epi4.70272
DO - 10.1002/epi4.70272
M3 - Article
C2 - 42047531
SN - 2470-9239
VL - 11
SP - 719
EP - 726
JO - Epilepsia Open
JF - Epilepsia Open
IS - 3
ER -