79th WHA Individual Statements
Epilepsy represents a strategic entry point for implementation of the WHO Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP) and for advancing the 2025 UN Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. The strong bidirectional relationship between epilepsy, cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases, cognitive impairment and depression highlights the urgent need for coordinated translational research, prevention strategies and public health actions. Post-stroke epilepsy constitutes an established model of preventable epilepsies and offers an important framework for operationalizing IGAP Strategic Objective 3. Addressing cardiovascular risk factors and mental health comorbidities can substantially improve outcomes and reduce mortality in epilepsy. Strengthening integrated pathways for research, education, prevention and care in epilepsy will accelerate progress toward achieving the SDGs.