Epilepsy Awareness: Global Awareness Observances & Campaigns
Epilepsy awareness seeks to educate the public about this common neurological condition, which affects millions worldwide, while reducing stigma and promoting seizure first-aid knowledge.
Key global initiatives—such as Purple Day (March 26) and National Epilepsy Awareness Month (November)—encourage wearing purple and learning the simple “Calm, Cushion, Call” approach: stay calm, cushion the person’s head, and call for help if needed.
Important facts include that epilepsy encompasses more than 40 different types, impacts approximately 1 in 26 people, and that awareness efforts foster understanding, support, and inclusion for those living with the condition.
Epilepsy Awareness 2026
Epilepsy awareness is marked worldwide through key days and campaigns that aim to educate the public and reduce stigma.
Major global events in 2026
International Epilepsy Day (global)
International Epilepsy Day will be observed on the second Monday of February, which falls on 9 February 2026. It is a joint initiative of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and is recognized in more than 130 countries.
Purple Day – Global Epilepsy Awareness Day
Purple Day will be held on 26 March 2026, as it is every year. Founded in Canada in 2008, it has grown into a global movement celebrated in over 100 countries where people wear purple to show support for those living with epilepsy.
SUDEP Action Day
SUDEP Action Day will be observed on the third Wednesday of October, which is 21 October 2026. This day focuses on raising awareness of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) and encouraging conversations about risk and prevention.
Epilepsy Awareness Days and Months Around the World
Epilepsy awareness campaigns vary significantly across countries, with different nations designating specific days, weeks, or months to raise public understanding about this neurological condition. Here’s an alphabetical listing by country:
Australia
Australia observes Purple Day on March 26th, aligning with the international campaign. Additionally, some Australian epilepsy organizations promote awareness activities during National Epilepsy Week in March.
Canada
Canada is the birthplace of Purple Day (March 26th), founded by Cassidy Megan in 2008 when she was nine years old. The purple color symbolizes the lavender flower, often associated with solitude, which represents the feelings of isolation many people with epilepsy experience. Purple Day has since become a global movement.
India
India observes National Epilepsy Day on November 17th, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sahota, who made significant contributions to epilepsy awareness in the country.
Ireland
Ireland recognizes Purple Day on March 26th and also promotes awareness throughout the year through various campaigns organized by Epilepsy Ireland.
New Zealand
New Zealand participates in Purple Day on March 26th and conducts awareness activities through Epilepsy New Zealand throughout the year.
Philippines
The Philippines observes National Epilepsy Awareness Month every September, with various activities organized to educate the public about seizure disorders.
United Kingdom
The UK observes Purple Day on March 26th. Additionally, National Epilepsy Week typically takes place in May, organized by the Epilepsy Society and other UK-based epilepsy charities.
United States
The United States designates November as National Epilepsy Awareness Month. This month-long observance includes various educational campaigns, fundraising events, and advocacy efforts. The US also participates in Purple Day on March 26th. Additionally, many states have their own epilepsy awareness initiatives throughout the year.
International Observances
International Epilepsy Day
International Epilepsy Day is observed on the second Monday of February each year. This global event is jointly promoted by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). Countries worldwide participate in this day, including those in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Purple Day (Global)
Purple Day on March 26th has become a truly international movement, observed in dozens of countries beyond those listed above, including many European nations, Asian countries, and nations in Latin America and Africa.
Regional Variations
Many countries participate in international awareness campaigns without having nationally designated days or months. The epilepsy awareness movement continues to grow globally, with local organizations often creating their own events and campaigns tailored to their communities’ specific needs.
The choice of different dates and months across countries reflects local cultural considerations, healthcare priorities, and the timing of national health awareness calendars. However, Purple Day and International Epilepsy Day serve as unifying global moments when the international community comes together to combat stigma and promote understanding of epilepsy.
| Region / Country | Event Name | 2026 Dates | Focus / Organizer |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM) | November | Formally recognized by the U.S. Congress since 2003 |
| Canada | Epilepsy Awareness Month | March | Promoted by the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance; culminates in Purple Day |
| United Kingdom | National Epilepsy Week | May 19–25 | Dedicated to UK-specific education and advocacy |
| Australia | Make March Purple | March | Organized by Australian epilepsy organizations to “Purple Up” nationwide |
| Africa (Regional) | Stripes Week | Late September | Epilepsy Alliance Africa campaign using red and white zebra stripes to symbolize resilience |
| Latin America (Regional) | Latin American Epilepsy Day | September 9 | Endorsed by the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) |
| China | International Epilepsy Caring Day | June 28 | Founded by the China Association Against Epilepsy to promote scientific treatment |
| India | National Epilepsy Day | November 17 | Annual government-led observation since 1991 |
| South Africa | National Epilepsy Day | June 21 | Observed by Epilepsy South Africa since 2003 |
How You Can Help
1. Learn Seizure First Aid
Knowing what to do during a seizure can save lives. Remember the simple rule: “Calm, Cushion, Call.”
- Calm: Stay composed and reassure others.
- Cushion: Gently place something soft under the person’s head to prevent injury.
- Call: Seek emergency help if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, if it’s their first seizure, or if they have trouble breathing afterward.
Never restrain the person or put anything in their mouth—these are common misconceptions that can cause harm.
2. Wear Purple
Purple is the international color of epilepsy awareness. Show solidarity by wearing purple on Purple Day (March 26) and throughout Epilepsy Awareness Month (November). This simple act sparks conversations and helps normalize epilepsy in society.
3. Educate Yourself & Others
Epilepsy isn’t just about convulsive seizures. There are over 40 types, including absence seizures and focal seizures, which can look very different. Understanding these variations helps reduce stigma and ensures better support for those affected.
4. Support Research & Advocacy
Progress in epilepsy treatment depends on research and policy change. You can help by donating to reputable epilepsy organizations, volunteering for awareness campaigns, or advocating for better healthcare access and anti-discrimination laws.
5. Share Your Story
Personal experiences are powerful. Whether you live with epilepsy or support someone who does, sharing your story on social media or community platforms helps build empathy, dispel myths, and create a stronger, informed community.
Epilepsy Awareness Quiz | Pass Mark: 80%
1. Purple Day is observed on March 26 worldwide.
2. Which country founded Purple Day?
3. International Epilepsy Day occurs on the second Monday of February.
4. The Epilepsy Foundation is a major epilepsy organization in the USA.
5. India observes National Epilepsy Day on November 17.
6. What is the main focus of Stripes Week in Africa?
7. Epilepsy is always a mental illness.
8. National Epilepsy Awareness Month in the USA is held in:
9. Purple is the global color of epilepsy awareness.
10. SUDEP means Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.
Epilepsy Awareness Days & Months Worldwide
Comprehensive guide to observances, organizations, and campaign themes
| Country | Observances | Major Organizations | Past Themes |
|---|
Facts About Epilepsy
Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological condition worldwide. Approximately one in 26 people will experience epilepsy at some point in their lives.
There are more than 40 different types of epilepsy, each with its own unique symptoms and triggers.
Lavender is recognized as the international flower of epilepsy, symbolizing calm, hope, and resilience.
Conclusion
Epilepsy awareness educates the public, reduces stigma, and promotes safety. Learning seizure first aid, wearing purple, sharing stories, and supporting research are simple actions that make a real difference. Every effort, big or small, brings us closer to a future of inclusion, better treatment, and hope for millions living with epilepsy