“When we walk in step together, nothing is impossible.”
About The Campaign
The World Health Organisation [WHO] estimates that approximately 50 million people worldwide live with epilepsy (although recent studies suggest this figure may be higher).
Each year, #50MillionSteps brings people together in solidarity with the 50 million people living with epilepsy worldwide.
Since the campaign first launched, the response has been extraordinary. Our global community has taken more than one billion steps together.
As we look ahead towards International Epilepsy Day on 9 February 2026, we invite you to get involved, take part, and help build even greater momentum.
Since the campaign first launched, the response has been extraordinary. Our global community has taken more than one billion steps together.
How To Take Part
From Monday, 5 January to Monday, 9 February 2026, all you need to do is:
Walk or move: Take steps wherever you are — walking, running, hiking, or simply moving through your daily routine.
Count your steps: Use any step counter you prefer: your phone, smartwatch, fitness band, or pedometer.
Record your steps: Add your total to the global Step Counter atwww.50millionsteps.org (step counter will open on Monday, 5 January, 2026.)
We will reveal our grand step total on Monday, 9 February, as part of International Epilepsy Day.
Between Monday, January 5th and Monday, February 9th (International Epilepsy Day) we’ll need at least 500 people to walk 20,000 steps every week.
….are you up for the challenge?
Ready To Take The Next Step With Us?
As #50MillionSteps raises visibility and brings people together, we are introducing a new invitation for 2026: the #EpilepsyPledge — a simple way to turn awareness into advocacy in action.
Step → Pledge → Change
What Is the #EpilepsyPledge?
Launching on International Epilepsy Day 2026, the #EpilepsyPledge invites you to make one small, concrete action during 2026 that supports:
- awareness
- safety
- inclusion
- community understanding of epilepsy
Please note: The pledge is optional — you can walk, pledge, or do both.
Learn More About The #EpilepsyPledge
Visit International Epilepsy Day to learn more about how you can take the #EpilepsyPledge
Why We’ve Introduced The Pledge: Insights from The Global Epilepsy Needs Study (GENS)
The Global Epilepsy Needs Study (GENS) is the largest international survey ever conducted on everyday life with epilepsy, gathering survey responses from more than 5,000 people and interviews from 75 participants across 15 countries.
GENS reveals clear patterns in the challenges many people face — including:
- safety concerns in public and school environments
- limited community understanding
- difficulties in workplaces and education
- barriers to participation in sport, recreation, and social life
- lack of consistent, clear information
The findings point to multiple areas where small, practical, local actions could make a meaningful difference in people’s everyday lives. These are opportunities for communities, schools, workplaces, services, and organisations to help improve safety, understanding, and inclusion.
This is exactly what the #EpilepsyPledge invites: advocacy in action, shaped by the needs that people with epilepsy themselves described.
