World Allergy Week is a global event held every June, organized by the World Allergy Organization (WAO), headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, to raise awareness about allergies and their impact on health.
- World Allergy Week 2025 will be observed from June 29 to July 5, 2025 to raise global awareness about allergic diseases and their increasing prevalence.
- World Allergy Week 2024 was observed from June 23 to 29, 2024.
Theme:
The theme for World Allergy Week 2025 is “Anaphylaxis: A Preventable Threat”, focusing on the most severe and life-threatening form of allergic reaction.
Significance:
i.The week highlights the importance of early recognition, timely treatment using adrenaline (epinephrine), and prevention strategies to reduce allergic emergencies worldwide.
ii.The campaign aims to educate the public, healthcare professionals, schools, and caregivers about managing allergic diseases, especially in children.
Background:
i.In July 2005, WAO first observed World Allergy Day in association with the Biennial World Allergy Congress (WAC).
ii.In 2011, the WAO Board of Directors (BoD) approved the establishment of World Allergy Week to broaden the scope of World Allergy Day, based on suggestions from member societies and partners.
- The first World Allergy Week was observed from 4th to 10th April 2011.
iii.The World Allergy Congress (WAC) 2025 was held from 28 February to 03 March, 2025 in San Diego, California, USA, in collaboration with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI).
About Anaphylaxis:
i.Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction triggered by exposure to allergens such as certain foods (e.g., peanuts, shellfish, milk), insect venom (e.g., bee stings), medications, or latex.
ii.It can cause life-threatening symptoms within minutes, including:
- Swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Drop in blood pressure
- Vomiting or loss of consciousness
Key Points:
i.Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a major public health concern, affecting 10% to 40% of populations worldwide.
ii.AR typically begins in childhood, with nearly 80% of cases developing before the age of 20.
- Among these, approximately 20% occur by age 2 to 3, around 40% by age 6, and 30% during adolescence.
iii.Globally, allergic rhinitis affects between 10% and 30% of the population annually, with variation based on region and environmental exposure.
About World Allergy Organization (WAO):
President – Mário Morais-Almeida
Headquarters – Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America (USA)
Established – 1951
