World Epilepsy Day
February 9 - 9
International Epilepsy Day is a global awareness initiative led by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE)
The day aims to increase understanding of epilepsy, a neurological condition affecting over 50 million people worldwide. It provides a platform to challenge stigma, highlight lived experience, and advocate for better support, treatment, and inclusion.
What International Epilepsy Day Stands For: Awareness and Education: International Epilepsy Day helps the public learn what epilepsy is, dispel myths, and better understand the challenges faced by people living with the condition. The goal is to build awareness that leads to empathy, inclusion, and action.
Global Participation: Events and activities take place worldwide- from school and community events to seminars, media coverage, and social media campaigns that amplify the voices of those living with epilepsy.
Advocacy for Change: The day also calls for policy progress and equal access to healthcare, education, employment, and social supports. It aligns with the World Health Organization’s Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP), reinforcing the global mandate for meaningful change.
By taking part in International Epilepsy Day, you join a worldwide effort to reduce stigma, increase understanding, and support the rights and wellbeing of people with epilepsy everywhere.
From Awareness to Action: Introducing the Epilepsy Pledge
International Epilepsy Day has always been a day for the world to listen, learn, and stand with the 50 million+ people living with epilepsy. In 2026, we are taking the next step together.
On International Epilepsy Day 2026, we will launch the Epilepsy Pledge — a new way for our community to turn awareness into tangible progress.
The Epilepsy Pledge invites individuals, families, workplaces, schools, and organisations to commit to one concrete action during 2026 that strengthens awareness, safety, inclusion, and community understanding of epilepsy. It builds on the stories and learning from last year’s My Epilepsy Journey campaign, which surfaced lived-experience stories and highlighted unmet needs. This year, we focus on turning stories into action.
Your pledge can be personal or community-focused, small or wide-reaching. What matters is that it addresses a real need, is achievable, and completed during 2026. Every action contributes to a larger movement for understanding, safety, and inclusion.
The day aims to increase understanding of epilepsy, a neurological condition affecting over 50 million people worldwide. It provides a platform to challenge stigma, highlight lived experience, and advocate for better support, treatment, and inclusion.
What International Epilepsy Day Stands For: Awareness and Education: International Epilepsy Day helps the public learn what epilepsy is, dispel myths, and better understand the challenges faced by people living with the condition. The goal is to build awareness that leads to empathy, inclusion, and action.
Global Participation: Events and activities take place worldwide- from school and community events to seminars, media coverage, and social media campaigns that amplify the voices of those living with epilepsy.
Advocacy for Change: The day also calls for policy progress and equal access to healthcare, education, employment, and social supports. It aligns with the World Health Organization’s Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP), reinforcing the global mandate for meaningful change.
By taking part in International Epilepsy Day, you join a worldwide effort to reduce stigma, increase understanding, and support the rights and wellbeing of people with epilepsy everywhere.
From Awareness to Action: Introducing the Epilepsy Pledge
International Epilepsy Day has always been a day for the world to listen, learn, and stand with the 50 million+ people living with epilepsy. In 2026, we are taking the next step together.
On International Epilepsy Day 2026, we will launch the Epilepsy Pledge — a new way for our community to turn awareness into tangible progress.
The Epilepsy Pledge invites individuals, families, workplaces, schools, and organisations to commit to one concrete action during 2026 that strengthens awareness, safety, inclusion, and community understanding of epilepsy. It builds on the stories and learning from last year’s My Epilepsy Journey campaign, which surfaced lived-experience stories and highlighted unmet needs. This year, we focus on turning stories into action.
Your pledge can be personal or community-focused, small or wide-reaching. What matters is that it addresses a real need, is achievable, and completed during 2026. Every action contributes to a larger movement for understanding, safety, and inclusion.