International Epilepsy Day 9 February 2026 – International Epilepsy Day is a special event which promotes awareness of epilepsy in more than 120 countries each year. Every year on the second Monday of February people join together to celebrate and highlight the problems faced by people with epilepsy, their families and carers.

This is a day for everyone, no matter where you are, no matter how small your group or large your area, no matter whether you focus on the medical or the social aspects of the disease. We want you to help us celebrate International Epilepsy Day! Let’s speak with one global voice.

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 organizations 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.

You’ll find a full guide — including pledge ideas, how to take part, and how to share your commitment — on the Epilepsy Pledge page.

We will conclude the campaign on International Epilepsy Day 2027 by highlighting progress and showcasing the global pledges achieved.

Join us, make your pledge in 2026, and help build a world where understanding and inclusion are the norm, not the exception.

How can you get involved?

• Share Stories: 

Use the #EpilepsyDay hashtag to share experiences and combat misinformation. 

• Take Action: 

Join the #50MillionSteps campaign or the new #EpilepsyPledge to take meaningful steps for awareness and support. 

• Educate: 

Talk to friends, family, and workplaces about epilepsy and seizure first aid. 

For more information https://internationalepilepsyday.org/