Health awareness days
Health awareness days, weeks and months from the NHS, the World Health Organization and health charities, covering prevention, screening, conditions and care.
163 days, weeks and months in the next 12 months in the New Zealand calendar.
Coming up next
October 2026
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ADHD Awareness Month
A month-long campaign every October that shares reliable information about ADHD and the people who live with it.
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Held every October to raise awareness of breast cancer, encourage regular breast checks and support people affected.
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Melanoma Awareness Month (New Zealand)
Melanoma New Zealand's October campaign encouraging people to check their skin and get spots looked at early.
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Shocktober
Hato Hone St John's October campaign teaching New Zealanders the three steps to help someone in cardiac arrest.
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World Osteoporosis Day
A global day on 20 October that raises awareness of osteoporosis, bone health and the prevention of fractures.
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International Stammering Awareness Day
An international day on 22 October to raise awareness of stammering, also called stuttering, and the people who stammer.
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World Polio Day
World Polio Day on 24 October each year marks progress towards ending polio and raises funds for vaccination.
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World Psoriasis Day
A global day on 29 October that raises awareness of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and challenges stigma around them.
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World Stroke Day
A global day on 29 October to raise awareness of stroke, its warning signs and how it can be prevented.
November 2026
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Diabetes Action Month
Diabetes New Zealand's November awareness month, with a new theme each year on spotting, preventing and living with diabetes.
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Movember
A month every November when people grow moustaches or take on challenges to raise money for men's health, including prostate and testicular cancer.
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Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
A month every November that raises awareness of pancreatic cancer symptoms and the need for faster diagnosis.
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International Stress Awareness Week
A week in early November that raises awareness of stress and wellbeing, especially at work. The 2026 week runs 2 to 6 November.
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Gumboot Friday
A day when New Zealanders wear gumboots and donate to fund free counselling for young people aged 25 and under, held on 6 November in 2026.
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International Day of Radiology
A global day on 8 November, the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays, recognising medical imaging.
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NET Cancer Day
A global day on 10 November that raises awareness of neuroendocrine cancers and the need for earlier diagnosis.
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World Pneumonia Day
Held on 12 November, World Pneumonia Day raises awareness of pneumonia, a leading infectious cause of death, and calls for better prevention and treatment.
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World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day on 14 November raises awareness of diabetes and how type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed.
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World Prematurity Day
A global day on 15 November that raises awareness of preterm birth and the needs of babies born too early and their families.
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International Day of the Mediterranean Diet
The International Day of the Mediterranean Diet on 16 November celebrates a healthy way of eating that is also recognised as living cultural heritage.
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World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week
World AMR Awareness Week, 18 to 24 November, raises awareness of drug-resistant infections and encourages careful use of antibiotics and other medicines.
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World COPD Day
A global day in November that raises awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In 2026 it falls on Wednesday 18 November.
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International Men's Day
International Men's Day on 19 November each year focuses on men's health and wellbeing and the positive contributions men make.
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World Pancreatic Cancer Day
A global day in November, on 19 November in 2026, that asks people to learn the warning signs of pancreatic cancer.
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World Toilet Day
World Toilet Day on 19 November raises awareness of the billions of people who still lack safe sanitation.
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International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
A day on the Saturday before US Thanksgiving when people bereaved by suicide gather for support. The 2026 day is 21 November.
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World Conjoined Twins Day
World Conjoined Twins Day on 24 November raises awareness of conjoined twins and promotes their wellbeing and inclusion.
December 2026
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World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day on 1 December highlights the work to end HIV and AIDS and remembers those who have died.
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International Day of Persons with Disabilities
A United Nations day on 3 December promoting the rights and wellbeing of disabled people.
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International Universal Health Coverage Day
Universal Health Coverage Day on 12 December calls for strong health systems that give everyone access to care without financial hardship.
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World Meditation Day
World Meditation Day on 21 December raises awareness of meditation and its benefits for physical and mental health.
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International Day of Epidemic Preparedness
The International Day of Epidemic Preparedness on 27 December promotes education and planning to prevent and respond to epidemics.
January 2027
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World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day
A global day on 30 January that calls for action to end neglected tropical diseases, which affect more than a billion people.
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World Leprosy Day
An international day on the last Sunday of January that raises awareness of leprosy and the stigma faced by people affected by it.
February 2027
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World Cancer Day
A global day on 4 February that encourages people and governments to act on cancer prevention, detection and treatment.
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International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation
On 6 February the UN calls for an end to female genital mutilation, a human rights violation affecting millions of girls and women.
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International Epilepsy Day
A global day on the second Monday of February to raise awareness of epilepsy and the needs of people who live with it.
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World Day of the Sick
A Catholic day of prayer on 11 February for people who are ill and for those who care for them.
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International Childhood Cancer Day
Held on 15 February each year to raise awareness of cancer in children and teenagers and the support they and their families need.
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World Encephalitis Day
A global awareness day on 22 February about encephalitis, inflammation of the brain, and the need for faster diagnosis and support.
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Big Heart Appeal
The Heart Foundation's national street appeal, held over the last Friday and Saturday of February to fund heart research and care.
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Rare Disease Day
A global day on the last day of February that raises awareness of rare diseases and the people living with them.
March 2027
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Endometriosis Action Month
A UK campaign every March that calls for faster diagnosis and better care for people with endometriosis.
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Kidney Awareness Month (New Zealand)
Kidney Health New Zealand's March campaign urging people to ask their doctor for a simple kidney health test.
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Myeloma Action Month
Held every March by the International Myeloma Foundation to raise awareness of myeloma, a cancer of the blood plasma cells.
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Self-injury Awareness Day
A day on 1 March each year that raises awareness of self-harm, challenges stigma and encourages people to seek support.
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Zero Discrimination Day
Zero Discrimination Day on 1 March, led by UNAIDS, celebrates everyone's right to live a full life with dignity, free from discrimination.
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World Hearing Day
A World Health Organization day on 3 March that raises awareness of how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promotes ear and hearing care.
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World Obesity Day
A global day of action on 4 March that aims to improve understanding, prevention and treatment of obesity.
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World Kidney Day
A global day on the second Thursday of March that raises awareness of kidney health and the prevention of kidney disease.
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World Glaucoma Week
A global week in March encouraging regular eye checks to catch glaucoma early, held 8 to 14 March in 2026.
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Brain Awareness Week
A global campaign held in the third week of March to raise public interest in brain science, running 15 to 21 March in 2027.
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Nutrition and Hydration Week
An international week each March focused on good food and drink in health and social care settings.
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Little Heart Day
Heart Kids NZ's annual appeal in March for children with heart conditions, held on Friday 20 March in 2026.
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World Sleep Day
A global day in March, held on the Friday before the spring equinox, that highlights the importance of healthy sleep.
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International Day of Happiness
The International Day of Happiness on 20 March recognises happiness and wellbeing as basic human goals that public policy should support.
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World Oral Health Day
A global day on 20 March promoting good oral health for people of all ages.
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World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March raises awareness of Down syndrome and promotes the inclusion of people who have it.
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World Water Day
World Water Day on 22 March focuses attention on fresh water and the billions of people still without safe water and sanitation.
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World Tuberculosis Day
World TB Day on 24 March raises awareness of tuberculosis and calls for stronger action to end one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases.
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Purple Day
An international epilepsy awareness day on 26 March, when people wear purple and hold events to support those living with epilepsy.
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World Bipolar Day
An international day on 30 March that raises awareness of bipolar disorder and works to reduce the stigma around it.
April 2027
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World Autism Awareness Day
World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April promotes the rights, acceptance and full participation of autistic people.
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World Health Day
The World Health Organization's day on 7 April, marking its founding in 1948 and highlighting a global health theme each year.
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World Parkinson's Day
A global awareness day for Parkinson's held on 11 April, the birthday of James Parkinson.
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World Chagas Disease Day
World Chagas Disease Day on 14 April raises awareness of a neglected tropical disease that can silently damage the heart and gut.
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International Wellness Day
International Wellness Day promotes affordable, inclusive wellness practices for body and mind. The UN lists it in mid April.
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World Hemophilia Day
A global day on 17 April that raises awareness of haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders.
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World Immunization Week
World Immunization Week, 24 to 30 April, promotes vaccines that protect people of all ages from disease.
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World Malaria Day
World Malaria Day on 25 April calls for sustained funding and political commitment to prevent, control and eliminate malaria.
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World Day for Safety and Health at Work
The World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28 April promotes the prevention of accidents and illness at work.
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World Wish Day
World Wish Day on 29 April marks the anniversary of the first wish granted by Make-A-Wish and raises funds to grant wishes for seriously ill children.
May 2027
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World Laughter Day
A day promoting laughter for health and friendship, held on the first Sunday of May.
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Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week (New Zealand)
A week in early May raising awareness of anxiety and depression during pregnancy and after birth, set for 3 to 9 May 2027.
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World Asthma Day
A global day on the first Tuesday of May that raises awareness of asthma and better care for people living with it.
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International Day of the Midwife
A global day on 5 May celebrating midwives and calling for more investment in midwifery.
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World Hand Hygiene Day
Held on 5 May each year, WHO's day for promoting clean hands in health care to prevent infections picked up during treatment.
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World Maternal Mental Health Day
A global day on the first Wednesday of May that raises awareness of mental health during pregnancy and the first year after birth.
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International Thalassaemia Day
Marked on 8 May, this day raises awareness of thalassaemia, an inherited blood disorder, and supports patients and better access to care.
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World Ovarian Cancer Day
A global day on 8 May that unites patient groups to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and push for earlier diagnosis.
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Hospice Awareness Week (New Zealand)
A week in May when hospices across New Zealand explain their free palliative care and thank supporters, held 11 to 17 May in 2026.
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World Lupus Day
A global day on 10 May that raises awareness of lupus and calls for earlier diagnosis, better care and more research.
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International Nurses Day
A global day on 12 May, Florence Nightingale's birthday, recognising the work of nurses.
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ME Awareness Day
A day on 12 May that raises awareness of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), also marked worldwide as World ME Day.
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World Hypertension Day
A global day on 17 May that encourages people to check their blood pressure and to prevent and control high blood pressure.
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International Clinical Trials Day
A day on 20 May recognising clinical research and the people who take part in trials.
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Pink Shirt Day (New Zealand)
A day in May when New Zealanders wear pink to stand against bullying and promote kindness in schools, workplaces and communities.
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International Day to End Obstetric Fistula
The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula on 23 May calls for action on a preventable childbirth injury that leaves many women injured and isolated.
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World MS Day
A global awareness day for multiple sclerosis held on 30 May each year.
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World No Tobacco Day
World No Tobacco Day on 31 May raises awareness of the harm caused by tobacco and the tactics of the tobacco industry.
June 2027
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Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
A UK month every April that raises awareness of bowel cancer symptoms and encourages people to take up screening.
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Global Running Day
A worldwide day encouraging people of all abilities to go for a run, held on the first Wednesday in June; 2 June in 2027.
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World Food Safety Day
World Food Safety Day on 7 June promotes action to prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks so that everyone has safe food.
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International Albinism Awareness Day
International Albinism Awareness Day on 13 June raises the voices of people with albinism and challenges discrimination and harmful myths.
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Loneliness Awareness Week
A week in June that encourages people to talk about loneliness, reduce stigma and connect with others.
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Men's Health Week
A week in June ending on Father's Day that raises awareness of health problems affecting men and boys.
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National Blood Donor Week (New Zealand)
A June week when the New Zealand Blood Service thanks donors and recruits new ones, running around World Blood Donor Day.
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World Blood Donor Day
World Blood Donor Day on 14 June thanks voluntary blood donors and raises awareness of the need for safe blood supplies.
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World Kidney Cancer Day
A global day held on the third Thursday of June to raise awareness of kidney cancer and support for patients.
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World Sickle Cell Day
A UN recognised day on 19 June that raises awareness of sickle cell disorder and the people living with it.
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Coeliac Awareness Week (New Zealand)
Coeliac New Zealand's June week calling for better understanding and earlier diagnosis of coeliac disease, held 15 to 21 June in 2026.
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International Day of Yoga
The International Day of Yoga on 21 June raises awareness of the health benefits of yoga and encourages healthier ways of living.
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Bandanna Day (New Zealand)
Canteen Aotearoa's appeal on the last Friday of June, when people buy and wear bandannas to support young people affected by cancer.
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International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
On 26 June the UN raises awareness of the harm caused by illicit drugs and calls for stronger international cooperation.
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International Day of Deafblindness
The International Day of Deafblindness on 27 June, Helen Keller's birthday, calls for deafblindness to be recognised as a distinct disability.
July 2027
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Dry July (New Zealand)
A July challenge to go alcohol free for the month while raising money for people in New Zealand affected by cancer.
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World Zoonoses Day
Held on 6 July, World Zoonoses Day raises awareness of diseases that pass between animals and people, marking Pasteur's first rabies vaccination in 1885.
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World Population Day
World Population Day on 11 July focuses attention on population issues and their links to development, health and the environment.
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International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms
On 12 July the UN raises awareness of sand and dust storms and the harm they cause to health, especially in dry regions.
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International Day of Hope
The International Day of Hope on 12 July celebrates hope as a force that unites people in facing shared global challenges.
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Eye Tissue Donation Awareness Week
Organ Donation New Zealand's July week explaining eye and corneal tissue donation, held 21 to 25 July in 2025.
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World Brain Day
A global day on 22 July that raises awareness of brain health and neurological conditions.
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International Self-Care Day
A global day on 24 July that promotes self-care as part of good health. The date reflects self-care being practised 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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International Day for Judicial Well-being
The International Day for Judicial Well-being on 25 July recognises that the wellbeing of judges supports fair, independent and effective justice.
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World Drowning Prevention Day
World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July highlights the toll of drowning on families and communities and promotes ways to prevent it.
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World Hepatitis Day
World Hepatitis Day on 28 July raises awareness of viral hepatitis and calls for a stronger global response.
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Red Nose Day (New Zealand)
Cure Kids' annual appeal for child health research, held in late July with red noses, school events and fundraising.
August 2027
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World Breastfeeding Week
World Breastfeeding Week, 1 to 7 August, promotes breastfeeding and the support families need from communities, employers and governments.
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World Lung Cancer Day
A global day on 1 August that raises awareness of lung cancer risks, screening and treatment.
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World Mosquito Day
Held on 20 August, World Mosquito Day marks Sir Ronald Ross's 1897 discovery that mosquitoes transmit malaria, and highlights mosquito borne diseases.
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Daffodil Day (New Zealand)
New Zealand's main cancer fundraising and awareness day, held by the Cancer Society on the last Friday in August.
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International Overdose Awareness Day
Held on 31 August, the world's largest campaign to remember people lost to overdose, reduce stigma and promote overdose prevention.
September 2027
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Blue September
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand's September campaign raising awareness and funds for men affected by prostate cancer.
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Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Held every September to raise awareness of cancer in children and young people, with the gold ribbon as its symbol.
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Gynae Cancer Awareness Month
Gynae Cancer Awareness Month takes place every September to raise awareness of the five gynaecological cancers and their symptoms.
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World Alzheimer's Month
A global campaign held every September to raise awareness of dementia and challenge the stigma around it.
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International Day of Clean Air for blue skies
The International Day of Clean Air for blue skies on 7 September calls for faster action to cut air pollution for health and climate.
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World Duchenne Awareness Day
World Duchenne Awareness Day on 7 September raises awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and the needs of people with rare diseases.
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World Physiotherapy Day
A global day on 8 September highlighting how physiotherapists help people stay active and independent.
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World Suicide Prevention Day
A global day on 10 September that raises awareness that suicide can be prevented and encourages action to reduce it.
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World Sepsis Day
A global day on 13 September that raises awareness of sepsis, how to prevent it and the need for early treatment.
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World Lymphoma Awareness Day
A global day on 15 September that raises awareness of lymphoma symptoms, diagnosis and life with the disease.
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International Day for Interventional Cardiology
The International Day for Interventional Cardiology on 16 September raises awareness of heart disease and treatments such as angioplasty.
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World Patient Safety Day
World Patient Safety Day on 17 September promotes action to make health care safer for patients everywhere.
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World Alzheimer's Day
A global awareness day for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, held on 21 September each year.
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World Lung Day
A global day on 25 September that promotes lung health and action on air pollution, smoking and access to care.
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World Pharmacists Day
A global day on 25 September recognising the role of pharmacists in health care.
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World Contraception Day
A global day on 26 September that promotes awareness of contraception and informed choices about sexual health.
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World Environmental Health Day
Held on 26 September to highlight the work of environmental health professionals in protecting communities from health hazards.
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World Rabies Day
Marked on 28 September, World Rabies Day raises awareness of rabies prevention, including dog vaccination, and supports the goal of ending human deaths from the disease.
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World Heart Day
A global day on 29 September that raises awareness of heart disease and stroke and how to prevent them.
October 2027
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ADHD Awareness Month
A month-long campaign every October that shares reliable information about ADHD and the people who live with it.
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Held every October to raise awareness of breast cancer, encourage regular breast checks and support people affected.
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International Day of Older Persons
The International Day of Older Persons on 1 October celebrates older people's contributions and looks at the challenges of an ageing world.
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Melanoma Awareness Month (New Zealand)
Melanoma New Zealand's October campaign encouraging people to check their skin and get spots looked at early.
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Shocktober
Hato Hone St John's October campaign teaching New Zealanders the three steps to help someone in cardiac arrest.
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World Vegetarian Day
Held on 1 October each year to promote the benefits of a vegetarian diet, and opens Vegetarian Awareness Month.
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World Meningitis Day
A global day on 5 October each year to raise awareness of meningitis, its warning signs and the goal of defeating it by 2030.
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World Cerebral Palsy Day
A global day on 6 October to recognise and act for the millions of people living with cerebral palsy.
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Baby Loss Awareness Week
A week from 9 to 15 October that remembers babies who have died and raises awareness of pregnancy and baby loss.
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World Hospice and Palliative Care Day
Held on the second Saturday in October, this day calls for better hospice and palliative care services around the world.
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OCD Awareness Week
An international week in October that challenges myths about obsessive compulsive disorder and helps people find effective treatment.
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World Mental Health Day
A global day, held every 10 October, for raising awareness of mental health and pushing for better support and care everywhere.
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Mental Health Awareness Week (New Zealand)
A national week run by the Mental Health Foundation to encourage New Zealanders to look after their mental wellbeing, held 12 to 18 October in 2026.
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World Arthritis Day
A global day on 12 October that raises awareness of arthritis and other rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.
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World Thrombosis Day
A global day on 13 October that raises awareness of blood clots, their risk factors and their warning signs.
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World Sight Day
A global day on the second Thursday of October that draws attention to blindness, vision loss and access to eye care.
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Global Handwashing Day
A global day on 15 October promoting handwashing with soap as a simple way to prevent disease.
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Pink Ribbon Street Appeal
A two day national street collection in October by Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, with volunteers selling pink ribbons to fund breast cancer work.
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Restart a Heart Day
Restart a Heart Day on 16 October each year aims to teach as many people as possible how to do CPR and use a defibrillator.
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World Spine Day
World Spine Day on 16 October each year highlights back and neck pain and promotes good spinal health.
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World Menopause Day
A global day on 18 October that raises awareness of the menopause and the support available to improve health at midlife.
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World Osteoporosis Day
A global day on 20 October that raises awareness of osteoporosis, bone health and the prevention of fractures.