World Sjogren’s Day

World Sjogren’s Day is observed annually on July 23, marking a significant opportunity to raise awareness about Sjögren’s syndrome—a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Named in honor of Dr. Henrik Sjögren, the Swedish ophthalmologist who first identified this condition, the day helps shine a spotlight on a disorder that is often overlooked but profoundly life-impacting.

History of World Sjogren’s Day

Sjogren’s syndrome is named after Dr. Henrik Sjögren, whose birthday, July 23, 1899, was chosen to commemorate his pioneering work. Although the syndrome’s symptoms were sporadically recognized earlier, Dr. Sjögren’s 1933 doctoral thesis brought clarity to the clinical pattern of dry eyes, dry mouth, and arthritis ¹.

In 1983, Elaine Harris, herself a patient, founded the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation in the U.S. to support those affected and foster research. Over the decades, advocacy groups worldwide—including the Sjögren’s Foundation—have championed awareness, research funding, and patient resources. Officially celebrated each July 23, World Sjögren’s Day brings together communities to educate the public through pledges, media kits, fundraising events like walks, and virtual campaigns using #WorldSjogrensDay. ¹

Why World Sjogren’s Day matters

Sjogren’s syndrome may appear as dry eyes or mouth, but its effects often run much deeper. Many sufferers experience debilitating fatigue, chronic pain, and systemic complications involving organs like the lungs or kidneys. Tragically, about 90% of patients are women, and symptoms frequently go unrecognized—leading to diagnostic delays that can last years.

Because it’s often dismissed as minor, the illness can leave people feeling isolated, invalidated, or misunderstood. World Sjögren’s Day pushes back against that invisibility by educating communities, promoting empathy, and urging healthcare providers to consider Sjögren’s as a real, systemic disease. It emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, symptom relief, and ongoing research into better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

• It shines light on often-overlooked symptoms that significantly affect life
• It empowers patients to speak out and seek proper medical evaluation
• It drives funding for research, diagnostics, and treatments
• It builds a supportive, informed community through shared stories
• It elevates a rare but widespread condition onto a global stage

How to observe World Sjogren’s Day

There are many meaningful ways to participate:

First, share your voice. Whether you’re living with Sjögren’s or supporting someone who is, telling your story can inspire others to seek help or contribute to awareness campaigns. The Sjögren’s Foundation encourages personal pledges, matching donations, and participation in local or virtual events.

Second, educate—download media kits, share infographics, or hold webinars and support-group meetups. Use #WorldSjogrensDay across social media to spread knowledge and connect people with resources and community.

Third, support research and care by donating or volunteering. Funds raised often advance clinical education—such as training for Medicare dental coverage—or back local Walk for Sjögren’s events promoting awareness and solidarity.

• Speak up: share your or a loved one’s experience with Sjögren’s
• Learn and inform: study common symptoms and share facts
• Wear purple or use awareness ribbons in tiq support
• Donate to organizations accelerating research and patient support
• Attend talks or organize online meetups on Sjögren’s care

World Sjogren’s Day Dates Table

1. https://sjogrens.org/get-involved/spread-awareness/sjogrens-april-awareness-month/world-sjogrens-day[↩][↩]