International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases 2023: Date, History, Facts

The 12th of May is International Day of Awareness for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases. This date has been designated as the International Day of Awareness for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Disorders since 1992. It is Florence Nightingale’s birthday, the originator of’modern nursing.’ The benefits of disease awareness include early detection, sensitivity to the disease, reduced feelings of isolation in patients, and ignorance-based prejudice. Additionally, it promotes policy reform and research. By commemorating this day, the medical community aims to raise awareness of a variety of disorders that fall under the “Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases” (CIND) umbrella.

The background of International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases

Tom Hennessy Jr., a prominent advertising executive, had a severe case of ME/CFS. He designated May 12 as International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases after discovering the disease’s lack of awareness and understanding.

Hennessy chose Florence Nightingale’s birthday to commemorate the occasion after being inspired by her narrative. Florence Nightingale was a military nurse, philanthropist, and the originator of contemporary nursing. She contracted ME/CFS while serving in the military and spent the remainder of her life bedridden. Tom had also established an organisation called “RESCIND” – Repeal Existing Stereotypes about Chronic Immunological and Neurological Disorders. Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases are poorly understood and frequently go undiagnosed for a considerable amount of time. “RESCIND” helped raise awareness by bringing these diseases with commonalities under one umbrella.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, and Gulf War Syndrome are Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases. This day also recognises Alzheimer’s, Addison’s, Parkinson’s, and other diseases. Immunological and neurological diseases are characterised by joint and muscle pain, cognitive disorder, sleep disorder, poor stamina, etc. With the exception of palliative care, these diseases are incurable. Due to a lack of awareness, these diseases are frequently misdiagnosed for a long period.

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5 FACTS REGARDING CHRONIC IMMUNOLOGICAL AND NEUROLOGICAL ILLNESSES

These diseases have a diverse array of symptoms, which makes early detection difficult.

Certain maladies are more prevalent in certain ethnic groups.

Despite extensive research, no apparent cause has been identified for these diseases.

The majority of Immunological and Neurological Chronic Diseases are characterised by flares and remissions that can last from days to years.

Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases are incurable, but with appropriate care and medication, the patient’s quality of life can be significantly enhanced.

INTERNATIONAL AWARENESS DAY FOR CHRONIC IMMUNOLOGICAL AND NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	May 12	Friday
2024	May 12	Sunday
2025	May 12	Monday
2026	May 12	Tuesday
2027	May 12	Wednesday