World Encephalitis Day - 22 February
World Encephalitis Day is the biggest day of the year for people whose lives have been affected by inflammation of the brain. Since its launch in 2014, World Encephalitis Day has reached 225 million people directly in our efforts to grow international awareness of encephalitis.
Keep reading to see how you can get involved on 22 February 2026!
Coming soon...
77% of people have never heard of encephalitis.
We are more determined than ever to change this. This World Encephalitis Day, with the support of our Scientific Advisory Panel, Team Encephalitis Volunteers and members of our community, Encephalitis International will be launching an important campaign. Together, we have developed a lifesaving acronym: FLAMES reflects the urgent neurological signs that the general public should be aware of to help recognise encephalitis earlier.
All will be revealed in February including resources you will be able to download and share with your community.
We are trying to secure advertising and billboard placements for infographics and animations to raise more awareness than ever this World Encephalitis Day. We hope to build on Piccadilly Lights, London and Times Square, New York that helped us spread the word last year. Please get in touch if you think you can help us secure billboard space anywhere in the world.
Go #Red4WED
Every year we ask our supporters to wear something red on World Encephalitis Day and then share photos or videos on social media, telling their followers about why they are wearing red.
This year we are proud to launch our new, official#Red4WED t-shirts Click here to purchase yours today!
If you are sharing any photos or videos on social media, please use the campaign hashtag #Red4WED and send us a copy, so we can share them with the global encephalitis community!
See the fantastic 2025 #Red4WED images here!
Support Our WED Appeal - Fundraise for Encephalitis International
Our World Encephalitis Day Appeal for 2026 is dedicated to amplifying the voices and experiences of people whose lives have been changed by encephalitis.
We aim to raise £50,000 and we need your help!
Will you join the wonderful supporters around the world doing their own fabulous fundraisers and raising money for our appeal?
There are thousands of ways to fundraise, whether you take on a solo mission, or join with family/friends/colleagues. And you’re very welcome to give your fundraiser a colour theme… #Red4WED of course!
Click here for inspiration, or to set up your WED fundraiser
Check Out Our WED 2025 Highlights!
In 2025, the encephalitis community joined together once more to raise awareness and vital funds on World Encephalitis Day. It has been over 5 years since we first began our efforts to engage the World Health Organization (WHO) to support our work following the publication of the Global Impact Report.
Coinciding with World Encephalitis Day 2025, the WHO published a Technical Brief on encephalitis, to engage policymakers and public health officials.
Encephalitis: global threats, trends and public health implications: a technical brief
22 Highlights from 22 February 2025…click here to read our highlights blog.
WED - Official Partners
Encephalitis International is proud to deliver our annual World Encephalitis Day in collaboration with several generous corporate supporters.
If you’re interested in supporting us in 2026 we have a range of campaign partnership opportunities and can be flexible for what suits your organisation. Please get in touch via calum@encephalitis.info.
