Italy is tinged with purple, the color of the fight against epilepsy, on the occasion of the International Day dedicated to the disease on 12 February
and teachers are also taking to the field, with an ad hoc training project promoted by the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome.
The objective is to spread knowledge and awareness about a chronic neurological pathology and undermine the taboos that weigh on the perception of those who suffer from it through initiatives, debates and installations.
"It is estimated that in Italy alone there are around 600 thousand people who suffer from it - declared today the Minister for Disabilities Alessandra Locatelli -. On this occasion we above all promote research, early diagnosis and adequate support for treatment. It is essential to increase awareness and understanding of this disease, sometimes invisible, and guarantee that every person can be treated and supported while respecting their dignity".
According to data released by the Italian League Against Epilepsy (Lice), the disease affects approximately 1 person in 100 and can begin at any age, with two major peaks of incidence, one in the first years of life and the other - always higher - in older age.
In fact, it is currently estimated that in Italy every year 180 new cases of epilepsy occur after the age of 75, 86 in the first year of life, and 20-30 in young age.
A long journey, the one against the disease, which involves patients, associations and doctors.
The "School is not afraid of crises" project was born precisely to help the youngest, promoted by the Bambino Gesù Hospital, in collaboration with the Lice which, active since 2016, has involved a total of 6 thousand teachers from schools in Rome and province trained to manage epileptic seizures, through practical exercises and video tutorials.
"Since the first editions - underlines Nicola Specchio, head of Neurology of the Epilepsy of Bambino Gesù - the initiative has achieved results above expectations, helping to create a safe and inclusive environment for children and young people with this pathology".
Among the initiatives to spread correct knowledge of the pathology are two Lice and Fondazione Lice campaigns: 'Epilepsy at the cinema: telling real stories.
Meetings with schools' and 'Put Epilepsy on the bench'.
The first, scheduled in ten cities in collaboration with Anec, the National Association of Cinema Exhibitors, is dedicated to secondary school students who will participate in matinees at the cinema.
The second will see the installation of purple benches in the main cities (local gardens, parks, avenues and hospitals), with the collaboration of designer Christopher Edward Bangle's Big Bench Community Project Foundation.
This year too, the traditional lighting of Italian monuments is renewed: on the evening of February 12, in fact, the monuments of the main Italian cities, starting from the Colosseum, will be colored purple.
Furthermore, the Italian Association against Epilepsy (Aice) recalls that the examination of the Bills (n. 122, 269, 410 and 898) on epilepsy has been started in the Senate, but Italy is "in serious delay".
A law is needed, concludes the association, which "given the limits generated by the certification of an epileptic seizure or one of the many forms of epilepsy, gives the possibility, as for other disabilities, to have an equal right to scholastic assistance, access to work and mobility support".
Bills on epilepsy were also presented in the Chamber (no. 763 and 1634).
For further information Agenzia ANSA In Italy 500 thousand people affected by epilepsy, today more treatments but the stigma remains - Healthcare - Ansa.it Epilepsy affects between 50 and 75 million people in the world, 6 million in Europe, around 500,000 in Italy and in addition to the relevant medical implications it can have an impact on the psychological well-being and social aspects of people's lives.
(HANDLE)
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