Angelini Pharma takes part in the 50 Million Steps for Epilepsy initiative: the challenge to reduce the stigma on epilepsy

50 Million Steps for Epilepsy
  • Published: 10 Feb 2025

There are over 50 million people living with epilepsy and over 50% of them will experience some kind of stigma surrounding the illness. That is why the INTERNATIONAL BUREAU FOR EPILEPSY (IBE) has created the 50 Million Steps initiative. A symbolic challenge, held annually - ahead of International Epilepsy Day - whose aim is to collect 50 million steps, each representing an individual living with epilepsy to raise awareness and reduce stigma.

Angelini Pharma have reached their goal of 10 million steps on this year’s International Epilepsy Day (10 February 2025). Participation in this initiative is part of Angelini Pharma's wider commitment to raising awareness about epilepsy, through education, research and initiatives like this one.  

 

The importance of the campaign: reducing stigma and raising awareness  

The stigma surrounding epilepsy can affect the quality of life of those living with the condition, as well as that of their loved ones. By delaying seeking appropriate healthcare, treatment availability and institutional discrimination can affect social inclusion, and the health of the people involved.

Angelini Pharma has adopted a listening approach that aims to bring awareness to the key challenges faced by people with epilepsy, of which the main ones include balancing relationships, inclusion in the workplace and accessing different treatment options. Angelini Pharma also focuses on educating the public on epilepsy, such as seizure first aid, and how to respond correctly.

 

Global epilepsy statistics

According to the Headway Report, there are an estimated 6 million people with epilepsy in Europe, with over 400.000 new yearly cases reported, making it one of the most common neurological conditions.[1]

In low- and middle-income countries, 75% of people with epilepsy do not receive the treatment they need[2]. The economic burden of epilepsy includes both direct medical costs and indirect costs from lost productivity and stigma. Around 70% of people with epilepsy could live seizure-free with proper diagnosis and treatment[2], hence why it is of pivotal importance to bring awareness and contribute to the 10-year Intersectoral Global Action Plan for epilepsy and other neurological diseases (IGAP).

 

Angelini Pharma’s Contribution

Angelini Pharma has been participating in the 50 Million Steps initiative since 2023, where the employees have been walking as many steps as possible and logging them on the step counter and then donating them to IBE. In 2025, Angelini Pharma aimed even higher and reached their ambitious goal of 10 million by way of a special virtual marathon, which is the distance between the headquarters in Rome to the farthest location in Albany, Georgia (USA).

By participating in this initiative, Angelini Pharma hopes to bring awareness and reduce the stigma associated with epilepsy. Together we can decrease prejudice and improve the lives of people who live with epilepsy, one step at a time.

 

[1] Headway Report: A new roadmap in Brain Health - Focus Epilepsy https://healthcare.ambrosetti.eu/it/incontri/view/12509.

[2] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsy