Epilepsy accounts for a significant proportion of the world’s disease burden, affecting around 50 million people worldwide. The estimated proportion of the general population with active epilepsy (i.e. continuing seizures or with the need for treatment) at a given time is between 4 and 10 per 1000 people. In Switzerland, approximately 80,000 people live with epilepsy, of whom some 15,000 are children and adolescents.
International Epilepsy Day is an international date dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. On February 09, annually, people in countries around the world are invited to wear purple and host events in support of epilepsy awareness.
This year's theme is "Turning Stories into Action" with the introduction of Epilepsy Pledge. 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. Continues efforts on all fronts are required to keep spreading evidence-based information about epilepsy and help improve the quality of life of people with epilepsy worldwide.