What is World PI Week?
World PI Week is an annual global campaign held from 22–29 April each year, dedicated to raising awareness of Primary Immunodeficiencies and advocating for improved access to diagnosis and treatment.
By uniting patient groups, healthcare professionals, policy-makers, families and the general public, World PI Week aims to uncover the hidden realities of these conditions. Through education, understanding is turned into action, and action into progress.
World PI Week 2026: “We Can’t Wait”
Building on the 2025 “See the Unseen” campaign, the 2026 theme We Can’t Wait moves beyond raising awareness to driving real, systemic change in how PIDs are diagnosed and treated.
The campaign focuses on two critical groups:
- Healthcare professionals – equipping GPs and specialists with the tools and confidence to make earlier, more accurate diagnoses
- Policymakers – calling on governments to integrate PIDs into national rare disease plans and ensure treatments already on the WHO Essential Medicines List are accessible and reimbursed for patients
“Being seen is not enough. Too many are still waiting – for a diagnosis, for treatment, and for the support they deserve.” – member of World PI Week Steering Committee, 2026
What IPIA is Doing for World PI Week 2026
To mark World PI Week 2026, IPIA is launching this brand new Patient Toolkit – a free, comprehensive resource for patients, families, carers and healthcare professionals across Ireland.
The Toolkit brings together information on understanding PIDs, diagnosis and treatment, patient supports, advocacy, research and more – all in one place, and all tailored to the Irish context.
World PI Week Video
Have a look at the brand-new film. This engaging video highlights the lived experiences of people with Primary Immunodeficiencies, the barriers they face, and the urgent need for action from families, healthcare professionals, advocates, and policymakers.
How You Can Get Involved
- Share World PI Week content on social media using #WorldPIWeek and #KnowYourPID
- Download and share awareness posters and graphics from the World PI Week website.
- Watch and share the 2026 campaign video at worldpiweek.org.
- Share your story – your experience can help others seek diagnosis earlier.
- Tell your GP, nurse or pharmacist about PID awareness.
- Support IPIA’s work through donation or volunteering.
Key Facts to Share
- Over 550 forms of PID exist, affecting people of all ages
- Approximately 6 million people worldwide live with a PID
- Between 70–90% of people with PID remain undiagnosed
- PIDs are not contagious – they are mostly genetic conditions
- Frequent or unusual infections can be a sign of an underlying immune disorder
- Timely diagnosis can prevent serious complications and save lives
- Effective treatments already exist – with the right care, many people with PID lead full, active lives
Campaign Resources
Free downloadable materials including social media graphics, factsheets, posters and the 2026 social media toolkit are available directly from World PI Week:
