What's happening in Health - March Health Events Calendar

March is a busy month in health! From celebrating women across the globe to recognising the importance of closing the gap for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the month is filled with meaningful awareness days that encourage us to learn, reflect and support healthier communities.

March Month-Long Campaigns

1–31 March — PurpleUp! (Epilepsy Awareness)

A campaign encouraging people to wear purple, host events, and raise funds to support epilepsy awareness and services. The month builds towards International Purple Day on 26 March.

1–31 March — Melanoma March

Community fundraising campaign raising awareness and funds for melanoma research and prevention.

1–31 March — Endometriosis Awareness Month / March Into Yellow

Encourages people to wear yellow and raise awareness about endometriosis, supporting education and research.

1–31 March — The March Charge

A fitness challenge encouraging participants to walk or run to raise funds for cancer research and support services.

March Awareness Days

1 March — Zero Discrimination Day

Promotes inclusion, compassion and equality while raising awareness about discrimination.

3 March — World Hearing Day

Raises awareness about preventing hearing loss and improving ear and hearing care globally.

3 March — World Wildlife Day

Raises awareness about endangered animals and plants and conservation efforts.

4 March — World Obesity Day

Global campaign to increase understanding of obesity and the actions needed to address it.

5 March — Clean Up Australia Day

Community initiative encouraging Australians to clean up and protect the environment.

8 March — International Women’s Day

Celebrates women’s achievements and promotes gender equality.

9 March — National Day of Women Living with HIV

Raises awareness and celebrates the lives and voices of women living with HIV in Australia.

9 March — World Kidney Day

Global campaign highlighting kidney health and prevention of kidney disease. 10 March — World Sleep Day

A major global campaign highlighting the importance of healthy sleep and sleep disorders. 20 March — International Day of Happiness A UN-recognized day promoting happiness and well-being as universal goals. 21 March — World Down Syndrome Day

Global awareness day highlighting Down syndrome and promoting inclusion and advocacy.

21 March — International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Commemorates the Sharpeville massacre and promotes equality and anti-racism efforts.

21 March — International Day of Forests

Raises awareness about the importance of forests and sustainable forest management.

21 March — World Social Work Day

Recognises the work of social workers globally and their role in supporting communities.

22 March — World Water Day

Raises awareness of global water challenges and the importance of safe water access. 23 March — National Close the Gap Day (Australia)

Raises awareness about health equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

24 March — World Tuberculosis Day

Highlights the global impact of tuberculosis and efforts to eliminate the disease.

24 March — National Ride2School Day

Encourages children and families to walk, ride or scoot to school to promote healthy habits.

March Awareness Weeks

12–18 March — World Glaucoma Week

Focuses on early detection and treatment of glaucoma to prevent avoidable blindness.

13–20 March — Coeliac Awareness Week

Raises awareness of coeliac disease and encourages increased testing and diagnosis.

20–26 March — Harmony Week

Celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity and promotes inclusiveness and belonging.