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.
186 days, weeks and months in the next 12 months in the USA 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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Down Syndrome Awareness Month
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month in the US, celebrating people with Down syndrome and promoting acceptance and inclusion.
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Health Literacy Month
Health Literacy Month is held every October, encouraging organisations to make health information easier to find, understand and use.
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National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month in the US, encouraging schools and communities to act against bullying.
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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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Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week runs from 23 to 31 October each year, encouraging young people across the US to stay drug free.
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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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Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Held every November to raise awareness of lung cancer, challenge stigma and encourage people to seek help early.
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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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National Diabetes Month
November is National Diabetes Month in the US, raising awareness of diabetes and how to prevent its health problems.
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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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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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Great American Smokeout
The Great American Smokeout is held on the third Thursday of November, encouraging people who smoke to make a plan to quit.
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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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National Influenza Vaccination Week
A US health week in early December reminding everyone aged six months and over that it is not too late to get a flu vaccine.
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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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National Radon Action Month
January is National Radon Action Month in the US, encouraging households to test their homes for radon gas.
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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.
February 2027
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American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month in the US, encouraging people to look after their heart health and know the risks of heart disease.
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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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National Wear Red Day
On the first Friday of February, people in the US wear red to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke in women.
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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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National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
A US awareness day on 7 February that focuses on the impact of HIV on Black communities and encourages testing, prevention and treatment.
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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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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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Brain Injury Awareness Month
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month in the US, raising understanding of brain injury and the people living with its effects.
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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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National Nutrition Month
National Nutrition Month runs through March in the US, encouraging people to make informed food choices and build healthy eating habits.
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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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Save Your Vision Week
Save Your Vision Week is held in the first week of March in the US, encouraging regular eye examinations and good eye health.
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National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Held on 10 March, this US day highlights the impact of HIV on women and girls and encourages testing, prevention and care.
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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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Sleep Awareness Week
Sleep Awareness Week is held each March in the US, around the clock change, encouraging people to make sleep a health priority.
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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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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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National Poison Prevention Week
National Poison Prevention Week takes place in the third week of March in the US, raising awareness of how to prevent accidental poisoning.
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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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Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month in the US, promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion of autistic people.
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Cancer Control Month
April is Cancer Control Month in the US, a federally designated time to promote cancer prevention, screening and research.
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National Donate Life Month
April is National Donate Life Month in the US, encouraging people to register as organ, eye and tissue donors.
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Testicular Cancer Awareness Month
Held every April to encourage young men to check themselves for signs of testicular cancer and get any changes seen quickly.
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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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National Public Health Week
National Public Health Week is held in the first full week of April, highlighting the work of public health and the issues it tackles.
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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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National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day
On 10 April, this US day raises awareness of HIV among young people and encourages them to get tested and informed.
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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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Better Hearing and Speech Month
May is Better Hearing and Speech Month in the US, raising awareness of communication disorders and the help available.
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Hepatitis Awareness Month (US)
A US awareness month held every May that promotes vaccination against hepatitis A and B and testing and treatment for hepatitis B and C.
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Mental Health Awareness Month (US)
Every May, US mental health groups run a month of campaigns to reduce stigma and help people find support.
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National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month in the US, encouraging people of all ages to move more and take part in sport.
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Older Americans Month
Older Americans Month takes place every May, recognising the contribution of older people and promoting healthy, independent ageing.
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Skin Cancer Awareness Month
A US month every May that encourages sun protection and regular skin checks to find skin cancer early.
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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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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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National Nurses Week
National Nurses Week runs from 6 to 12 May every year in the US, ending on Florence Nightingale's birthday.
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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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National Women's Health Week
National Women's Health Week starts on Mother's Day each May, encouraging women in the US to make their health a priority.
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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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National EMS Week
National EMS Week is held each May in the US, recognising paramedics, emergency medical technicians and other emergency medical services staff.
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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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National Hepatitis Testing Day
A US health day on 19 May that encourages people to get tested for viral hepatitis and find out their status.
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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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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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Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month
June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month in the US, raising awareness of Alzheimer's disease, dementia and brain health.
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Men's Health Month (US)
June is Men's Health Month in the US, encouraging men and boys to look after their health and seek early care.
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PTSD Awareness Month
June is PTSD Awareness Month in the US, encouraging people to learn about post-traumatic stress disorder and the treatments available.
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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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HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day
Marked on 5 June, this day recognises people who have lived with HIV for many years and the challenges they face.
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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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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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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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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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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.
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National HIV Testing Day
National HIV Testing Day on 27 June encourages people in the US to get tested for HIV and know their status.
July 2027
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Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the US, focused on the mental health of under-represented communities.
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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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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.
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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Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Held on 20 August, this day draws attention to the high rates of HIV in the southern United States.
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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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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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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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Healthy Aging Month
September is Healthy Aging Month in the US, encouraging people to look after their physical, mental and social health as they get older.
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National Recovery Month
A US observance held every September that recognises people in recovery from mental health and substance use conditions and the services that support them.
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Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
A US month every September that encourages men to learn their risk of prostate cancer and talk to a doctor about screening.
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Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
A US month every September that raises awareness of suicide prevention and shares information about crisis support.
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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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National Suicide Prevention Week
National Suicide Prevention Week takes place in the US in early September, in the week that includes World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September.
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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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National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day
Marked on 18 September, this US day focuses on HIV prevention, testing and care for older adults.
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National Farm Safety and Health Week
A US safety week in the third week of September that promotes safe working on farms, from machinery and rural roads to health and wellbeing.
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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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Down Syndrome Awareness Month
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month in the US, celebrating people with Down syndrome and promoting acceptance and inclusion.
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Health Literacy Month
Health Literacy Month is held every October, encouraging organisations to make health information easier to find, understand and use.
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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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National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month in the US, encouraging schools and communities to act against bullying.
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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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Mental Illness Awareness Week
Mental Illness Awareness Week takes place in the first full week of October in the US, raising understanding of mental illness and reducing stigma.
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Child Health Day
Child Health Day falls on the first Monday in October in the US, promoting year-round work to protect the health of children.
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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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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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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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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.

