World Mitochondrial Disease Week
What is World Mitochondrial Disease Week?
Each September, the global mito community — families, friends, researchers, and supporters — comes together for World Mitochondrial Disease Week (WMDW). It’s a time to connect, to raise awareness, and to remind the world why mito matters.
This year promises to be the biggest yet, with communities in Australia and around the globe lighting up landmarks, sharing stories, and sparking conversations.
World Mitochondrial Disease Week is a time for the mito community and mito organisations to connect around the world. Our collective ambition is to increase the visibility and understanding of mito.
Key dates
Australia shines green
From the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Luna Park Ferris Wheel to landmarks across Europe, Asia, and the USA, Light Up for Mito is a truly global event.
Each green light represents hope, solidarity, and a future where mito is better understood, better treated, and one day, cured.
LIGHT UP FOR MITO IN
“Light Up for Mito is a time to shine a light on this disease, start conversations, and demystify a once unheard-of diagnosis.”
Kim Harrison
MCAP Co-Chair.
2026 THEME
Putting mito on the map
Mito affects people around the world, but many people still have not heard of it. This World Mitochondrial Disease Week, we are helping put mito on the map.
Every story, conversation and awareness activity helps make mito more visible. Together, we can build understanding, strengthen connection and help more people living with mito feel seen.
MORE INFORMATION
Find out more about this year’s theme, access global campaign resources, and choose how you would like to take part.
How to get involved
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Ask a local landmark to light up
Help bring your local iconic landmarks on board. Use our ready-to-send email template to ask your council, stadium, or favourite building to join the glow.
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Light up at home
Switch on a green bulb, change your porch light, or use smart lighting to glow green. Share your photos and inspire your neighbourhood to join in.
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Contact local media
You can play a powerful role in raising awareness. One simple way is by contacting your local media to share what Light Up for Mito means to you. To make it easy, we’ve prepared a template email and tips you can use.
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Share your story
Why are you lighting up? Share your story with us at communications@mito.org.au.
Your voice can inspire others to join the mito movement.
Landmarks lighting up across Australia
130
confirmed landmarks
as of Monday 14 August 2026
ACT 21 | NSW 15 | NT 5 | QLD 19 | TAS 9 | SA 14 | VIC 18 | WA 29
