Around the world, individuals, organisations and communities are coming together in to mark World ME Day 2025. Below is a breakdown of national events and campaigns happening by country, highlighting the wide range of efforts to raise awareness, push for better care, and demand action for people living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). From media takeovers to political action, here are just some of the national activities taking place in 2025.
Check out the global actions happening here.
🇫🇷 France
In France, Millions Missing France is leading a major online campaign sharing facts and busting myths. They’re also running a Blue Sunday photo contest and inviting people to take part throughout the month.
The campaign will conclude with a solidarity evening in Epinal on May 24, featuring live music, video excerpts from documentaries, an information stand, testimonials, and homemade local refreshments.
Event link
Follow: @millionsmissingfrance
🇧🇪 Belgium
In Belgium 12ME is organizing a fundraising concert with three bands in the city of Oudenaarde on the 17th of May. The concert will include testimonies from patients while all the proceedings go to scientific research on ME/CFS.
More info: https://12me.be/benefiet-music-for-me-cvs/
🇳🇿 New Zealand
ANZMES is launching a multimedia awareness campaign:
- May 12, 12 noon NZST: Podcast and social media interview with Jaime Seltzer and Fiona Charlton busting ME/CFS myths
- Distribution of the “Transforming Lives” report to MPs and a public call to action
- Major national media coverage including TVNZ+, Breakfast, and the 6 o’clock news, highlighting the realities of severe ME
This campaign supports ongoing advocacy for reclassification, a cross-party parliamentary group, and a centre of excellence for post-viral conditions.
Find out more here.
Read their press release here.
🇵🇹 Portugal
In Portugal, Aliança Millions Missing has launched a national petition calling for government action. The petition urges Parliament to fund biomedical research, implement clinical guidelines, and improve care for people with ME/CFS.
This campaign is supported by clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates, aiming to align Portugal with international best practices.
If you’re a Portuguese citizen, sign the petition today: https://peticaopublica.com/mobile/pview.aspx?pi=PT124529
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
A joint campaign has launched by Action for ME, ME Research UK, and the ME Association, based on work by a diverse stakeholder group informing the UK government’s ME/CFS Delivery Plan. Together they are calling for the creation of an ME/CFS, Long Covid and Post-Infectious Disease research platform, and they want your support.
Find out more and sign today: https://organise.network/s/5fe85dfdc26e
🏴 Scotland
#MEAction Scotland will be outside the Scottish Parliament on May 14, urging the government to fulfil its promise of funding new specialist ME support services.
Details: https://www.meaction.net/2025/04/27/millions-missing-scotland-2025-red-alert-for-me/
🏴 Northern Ireland
Join Hope 4 ME & Fibro at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday May 13, 2.00pm–3.00pm for a World ME Day Awareness and Information event in Room 115!
- Hear from a leading NI-based Medical Advisor on the urgency to Recognise – Diagnose – Support ME
- Connect with ME Research UK, celebrating 25 years of funding biomedical research
- Learn about NI’s first-ever research study on ME, published in BMC Medical Education
- Experience the real lives of patients via a 6.40-minute VR education tool
From 3.00pm: MLA/Patient Engagement Session and Severe ME Visual Display in the Apron Area.
Event details and registration
On May 21, screenings of UNREST and Discover M.E. will take place at Queen’s University Belfast, including a VR experience for 170 medical students.
🇩🇪 Germany
Germany is hosting the 2025 International ME/CFS Conference in Berlin on May 12–13, with a hybrid format open to global attendees. Organised by the Charité Fatigue Center and the ME/CFS Research Foundation, this major scientific event will feature international experts sharing updates on cutting-edge research and care approaches for ME and post-COVID conditions.
More info: https://www.mecfsconference.org
🇦🇺 Australia
Emerge Australia is hosting a virtual symposium on May 7 for ME/CFS Awareness Week, featuring expert insights and the launch of a clinical guide to improve care.
🇲🇽 United States
#MillionsMissing 2025 in Washington DC will send an SOS message to federal leaders on May 12. A protest outside the Capitol will demand protection for healthcare access, research funding, and disability support systems.
🇲🇽 Mexico
Campaigners in Mexico are joining the World ME Alliance’s myth-busting campaign, using our custom poster tools to grow the movement and engage the public.
🇧🇷 Brazil
Brazil’s #VidasInvisíveis campaign continues with high-level meetings, including one with the Vice President, and a day of action featuring shoes displayed with messages from people with ME.
Take part
Send your message
Follow Ivana Andrade on Instagram for updates
🇨🇿 Czechia
Czechia is hosting an in-person exhibition at OC Westfield Chodov until May 12, offering public education about ME/CFS, myth-busting facts, and advice for recognizing symptoms and supporting people with the condition.
If your country is doing something for World ME Day, we want to hear from you! Comment below to share your events and advocacy plans.
