One of the key missions of the Encephalitis Society is to ensure that you have all the resources, support and information that you or a loved one needs to thrive after encephalitis.

That is why our theme for World Encephalitis Day 2020 is Encephalitis. Global Issue. Human Solution.

As many of you know, we work alongside global experts in encephalitis research and treatment who are devoting their careers to saving lives and improving our understanding of encephalitis.

It’s a simple formula – the more we know about encephalitis, the better we can help people today and in the future.

So what can you watch out for in the run-up to World Encephalitis Day?

Encephalitis Expert Films

Over the past few months, we have been busy putting together several short films which give an overview of different types and aspects of encephalitis.

The talks will premiere on our YouTube channel when users of our BrainWalk smartphone App reach key global destinations between Jan 31 and Feb 21.

If you want to be the first to see our expert films, please download the free BrainWalk app to your smartphone.

Find out more

World Health Organization

Last year, we asked you to sign a petition asking the World Health Organization to feature World Encephalitis Day as one of their Global Public Health Days and to meet with us to talk about why encephalitis matters and how we can further the encephalitis agenda with them.

Around 28,000 people have signed that petition – a flabbergasting figure for everyone at the Encephalitis Society.

On Monday, 10th February, our Chief Executive, Dr Ava Easton, and Professor Tom Solomon, the President of the Encephalitis Society, will be visiting the headquarters of the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, to hand over the petition and talk about encephalitis.

We will be filming their trip and will reveal the outcome just before World Encephalitis Day.

World Encephalitis Day conference

The first ever World Encephalitis Day conference will be taking place in Dallas, Texas, between February 21 and 23.

And in another first, this will be a collaboration between six organisations devoted to encephalitis, including the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance, The Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis Foundation, Encephalitis 411, the Encephalitis Society, HESA and Encephalitis Global.

There will be a focus on presentations from survivors and care-givers, medical professionals, teachers and other experts who will be speaking on issues associated with encephalitis.

Book your place 

But this is not the only gathering around the world which will take place on or around world Encephalitis Day.

Health professionals in countries such as China, Austria, Italy will be hosting events about encephalitis as will our members.

Watch this space!

What can I do?

There are lots of ways to get involved this World Encephalitis Day.

You can go #Red4WED, maybe even download some of our A4 posters or social media images and share them among your friends, work colleagues or school friends, download BrainWalk or even organise your own gathering.

If you have any questions about getting involved please get in touch!

Thank you for your support!

The Encephalitis Society