ME Awareness Week 2025, 12 - 18 May.
12 May has been ME/CFS Day since 1992,.
ME Research UK (MERUK) announce US states to mark International ME Awareness Day
13 February 2025
Since 1992 12th May has been recognised as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) International Awareness Day.
On this important day, organisations and individuals recognise and support the millions of people world-wide who are affected by ME/CFS and other chronic immunological and neurologic diseases by raising public awareness. In fact, 12th May is International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CIND). The CIND illnesses include Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia (FM), Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).
Two US states have legislated this year to mark the date. The New York State Senate has passed a resolution marking “the 33rd Anniversary of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day in the State of New York”. In addition, the State of Alaska has passed “An Act establishing May 12 as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day of Recognition” and that 12th May may be observed by suitable observances and exercises by civic groups and the public.
World ME Alliance
Country-by-Country Highlights for World ME Day 2025.
Post author:World ME Alliance
Post published:8 May 2025
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. Article includes information from - France, Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, United Kingdom, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Germany, Australia, United States, Mexico, Brazil, Czechia.
World ME Alliance explain Six Myths World ME Day 2025: Six Myths and Facts Everyone Should Know About Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Facts Everyone Should Know About Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is a debilitating illness that affects millions of people worldwide. However, persistent myths and misunderstandings hinder its recognition and treatment. This year we are calling on you to help debunk six of the most common myths about ME and share the medical facts everyone should know.
1. Myth: ME is a mental health condition.
Fact: ME is a biological illness that disrupts the metabolism and impairs the brain, immune system and autonomic nervous system.
It often starts after an infection, common flu or COVID. Millions of people worldwide have ME, with about 75% of them being women. Many struggle with daily activities, up to 75% cannot work or attend school, and at least 25% of patients are so severely affected that they are housebound or bedridden.
2. Myth: ME is just about feeling tired
Fact: The defining symptom of ME is Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) - an extreme worsening of symptoms after even minor physical or mental exertion.
This can trigger a “crash” lasting for days or longer, making even basic activities difficult or impossible. Attempting to push through can significantly worsen symptoms and may lead to long-term deterioration. For those with severe ME, even minimal exertion -such as sitting up, light conversation, or sensory stimuli like sound and light - can be intolerable, leaving them extremely disabled and dependent on full-time care.
3. Myth: You can exercise your way to recovery from ME.
Fact: Exercise can be dangerous for people with ME.
Unlike other chronic conditions where exercise can help, structured exercise programs often make ME symptoms worse as patients end up pushing themselves too far.
In the past, graded exercise therapy (GET) was recommended, but after reviewing the evidence, health organisations like NICE in the UK and the CDC in the US have warned against it. Instead, people with ME are encouraged to pace themselves—balancing activity and rest—to avoid deterioration.
4. Myth: Only certain groups of people can develop ME.
Fact: ME affects people of all races, genders, ages, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
The misconception that ME primarily affects certain groups stems from disparities in diagnosis and healthcare access. While about 75% of those affected are women, ME can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race or income. In addition, marginalized communities face more challenges getting diagnosed and treated due to bias in the medical system and lack of awareness.
5. Myth: Long COVID is entirely different from ME.
Fact: Many Long COVID patients have symptoms that match ME.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have found that a large number of people with persistent Long COVID meet the diagnostic criteria for ME. Many experience PEM, the core symptom of ME. Studies highlight the biological similarities between the two diseases, reinforcing the need for integrated research and clinical approaches for these two conditions as well as other post-infectious syndromes.
6. Myth: Doctors cannot help people with ME.
Fact: Doctors can help people manage ME symptoms.
While there is no cure for ME, there are compassionate ways to help patients manage their symptoms, in addition to pacing to prevent PEM. Treating co-existing conditions and providing medications to address sleep disturbances, pain, and cardiac and neurological issues can offer significant relief. Offering at-home visits, online consultations and palliative care can make a big difference to someone suffering from Severe ME.
ME Research UK announce -
Scottish Parliament Motion to mark International ME Awareness Day
23 April 2025
That the Parliament marks International ME Awareness Day 2025 on 12 May and commends ME Research UK on the occasion of 25 years since its foundation; notes that the charity is dedicated to commissioning and funding biomedical research into the causes, consequences and treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/ CFS); believes that the disease, which affects at least 20,000 people in Scotland, is often misunderstood, mis-diagnosed and under-diagnosed, and is grievously under-researched; understands that the Perth-based charity has invested over £4.5 million in research with 68 research projects globally, four PhD-level projects and a Fellowship; further understands that, in terms of projects, the Perth-based charity is the largest funder of ME/ CFS outwith North America, that it presently funds projects in Australia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, USA and the UK, and is funded entirely by individual donations, and extends its thanks for the work of ME Research UK in informing, influencing and investing in ME research globally.
Liz Smith, Mid Scotland and Fife, Date lodged: Tuesday, 22 April 2025;
Motion reference: S6M-17226
To raise awareness of ME among politicians at Holyrood ahead of International ME Awareness Day, Liz Smith MSP (who represents ME Research UK’s Perth base as regional list MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife), has lodged a Motion at the Scottish Parliament. The Motion also marks ME Research UK’s 25th anniversary by highlighting our work in the past quarter century.
Most Motions submitted by MSPs raise awareness of an issue or recognise a group, business or individual with other non-Cabinet MSPs able to endorse to show their agreement and support and although of no legislative effect the Motion remains on Parliament’s website. Of the 129 MSPs only 104 are able to support such Motions.
ME Association (MEA) announce -
ME Awareness Week 2025, 12th - 18th May
ME Awareness Week is observed every year in May surrounding International ME/CFS Awareness Day (also known as World ME Day) on 12th May. This year, we are focusing on information surrounding the symptom management of ME/CFS. Please keep any eye out on social media for our posts!
Awareness helps in several ways: it educates the public and healthcare providers, reducing stigma and promoting early diagnosis; it drives funding for research into causes and treatments, as there’s currently no cure; and it fosters empathy and support for those living with ME, who often feel isolated due to the condition’s impact on their daily lives. By shining a light on ME, we can improve quality of life for millions and push for better medical and social resources.
The 25% ME Group share
M.E awareness 2025
Awareness helps in several ways: it educates the public and healthcare providers, reducing stigma and promoting early diagnosis; it drives funding for research into causes and treatments, as there’s currently no cure; and it fosters empathy and support for those living with ME, who often feel isolated due to the condition’s impact on their daily lives. By shining a light on ME, we can improve quality of life for millions and push for better medical and social resources.
Raising awareness for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), is vital because it’s a misunderstood and often invisible illness. ME is a severe, chronic condition that impacts multiple body systems, leading to extreme fatigue, pain, brain fog, and post-exertional malaise - where even small activities worsen symptoms.
Action for ME give details of the Joint APPG meeting.
Joint ME and Long Covid APPG meeting agenda - May 2025
24 April 2025
The first joint meeting between the APPG on ME and the APPG on Long Covid is taking place on Wednesday 14 May, from 5pm - 7pm.
Ensure you MP is aware of this important joint meeting during ME Awareness Week.
Link for further details at.
• 25% M.E. Group • Action for ME • A.P.P.G • M.E. Association • MERUK • MP • Parliament U.K.