IHS-GPAC is focused on impactful and sustainable advancement in the lives of those with migraine
London, United Kingdom, September 4, 2019 – The need for a global organization dedicated to migraine patient advocacy has finally been met with the launch of the International Headache Society’s Global Patient Advocacy Coalition (IHS-GPAC). IHS-GPAC unites the most impactful voices in migraine research, support, education, and advocacy under the common mission of creating a world where migraine is understood and optimally managed.
To accelerate its mission, IHS-GPAC is hosting the second Global Patient Advocacy Summit (GPAS II) in Dublin on September 4, 2019. The event will include speakers from the World Health Organization, World Federation of Neurology, European Medicines Agency, patient advocates and patient advocacy organizations, American Migraine Foundation, Fujitsu and more.
“GPAS II unites the leading headache, migraine, neurology, health and pain organizations, government entities, patients and businesses to build a uniform and collaborative approach in the global quest for more support, resources and awareness surrounding migraine and other severe headache disorders,” says IHS-GPAC Chair David Dodick, MD. “With more than one billion people affected by migraine worldwide, nothing less than a unified effort will drive the awareness we need to make a difference on a global scale.”
The collective goal of GPAS II and its participants is to work together to help patients overcome treatment barriers while organizing awareness campaigns, implementing employee and student care programs, and drive support for research. One of the most anticipated outcomes of the summit is the development of a global initiative to improve the health of employees affected by migraine, cluster and other severe headache disorders within workplaces around the globe.
“During GPAS II, we will align on the broad efforts of IHS-GPAC to shift employer and community mindset around the globe as we strive to empower employees, reduce stigma in the workplace and provide support for those living with migraine, cluster and other headache disorders,” says Prof. Messoud Ashina, IHS President and IHS-GPAC Steering Committee member.
Working in collaboration with patients, health care providers and headache, pain and neurology associations worldwide, IHS-GPAC is committed to improving the lives of those affected by migraine, cluster headache and other diseases that cause severe head pain.
“The future continues to get brighter as we work together to shine a light on the true impact of migraine,” says Dodick. “This is just the beginning.”
About IHS-GPAC
IHS-GPAC unites the most impactful voices in migraine research, support and education to create a world where migraine is understood and optimally managed. Working in collaboration with patients, health care providers and headache, pain and neurology associations worldwide, our goal is to improve the lives of those affected by migraine, cluster and other diseases that cause severe head pain. Migraine is the most common brain disorder, affecting 1 in 7 people worldwide. With empathy, hope and determination, IHS-GPAC is committed to raising awareness on the impact of migraine, implement optimal standards of migraine care, and reduce the global burden of the disease. Learn more at www.ihs-gpac.org.
About the International Headache Society
The International Headache Society is the world’s leading membership organisation for all whose professional commitment, whatever their discipline, is helping people whose lives are affected by headache. As a charity, the purpose of IHS is to advance headache science, education and management, and promote headache awareness worldwide. Activities include publication of Cephalalgia, the biennial International Headache Congress, developing guidelines, the international headache classification, educating the next generation of headache specialists worldwide, online education materials, and offering grants and fellowships to young physicians worldwide. To learn more, visit https://www.ihs-headache.org.
