Parkinson’s ZA, supported by AbbVie South Africa, will illuminate Constitution Hill in blue from April 9 to April 11 to mark World Parkinson’s Day, raise awareness of the condition, and encourage earlier recognition of symptoms.
The illumination aims to draw public attention to Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition that is becoming more common around the world. 1. The World Health Organization says the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease has doubled in the past 25 years, with more than 8.5 million people living with the condition globally. This number is expected to reach 12 million by 2040 3
World Parkinson’s Day is observed every year on April 11 and is marked globally to raise awareness, improve public understanding and encourage earlier recognition of symptoms.
2. Parkinson’s disease is a brain condition that worsens over time. It can affect movement, mental health, sleep, pain and other aspects of health. Common symptoms include tremor, slow movement, rigidity, trouble walking and difficulty speaking, and these symptoms can greatly reduce well-being and quality of life.
Constitution Hill was chosen because it is one of the country’s most significant public symbols. Lighting it in blue is intended to represent visibility for a condition that often goes unseen, recognition for the people living with it and a call for a more informed, compassionate public response.
The three-day illumination is intended to turn awareness into a visible national moment. Running from April 9 to April 11 and culminating on World Parkinson’s Day itself, the activation aims to prompt conversations in homes, workplaces and communities, encourage people to take symptoms seriously and remind those living with the condition that they are not alone.
AbbVie South Africa is supporting the activation as part of its resolute commitment to address the unmet needs of people living with neurologic diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, and its mission to preserve personhood and help people regain and maintain their independence.
“Awareness matters because Parkinson’s disease is still too often misunderstood or recognised late,” said Dr Nombini Habangana, Medical Affairs Director at AbbVie South Africa. “Parkinson’s is sometimes mistaken for a normal part of ageing, which can delay diagnosis and care. When that happens, people and families are often left trying to make sense of changes in movement, speech or daily function without the right information or support.”
Parkinsons ZA is a local patient advocacy organisation focused on awareness, support and advocacy for people living with Parkinson’s disease and their families. The organisation works to help more South Africans recognise the condition earlier and understand its wider impact.
Rakesh Harribhai, Founding Director, Parkinsons ZA, said “the #SparktheNight campaign is a global call to light up landmarks in blue on World Parkinson’s Day so that a condition often unseen is made visible, and those impacted by Parkinson’s Disease are no longer overlooked. Further, the symbolism of Constitutional Hill cannot be understated. This building has witnessed South Africa’s journey to dignity, equality and justice. It is an affirmation that those living with Parkinson’s deserve to be seen, supported and cared for, with dignity, equality and justice”
Dr Joe Phaahla, Deputy Minister of Health, said World Parkinson’s Day is an important reminder of the role public education plays in health outcomes. “The earlier people recognise symptoms and seek the right medical advice, the better placed they are to access support and treatment. Awareness also helps build a more compassionate and informed response from families, communities and the wider health system.”
While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, therapies, medicines and rehabilitation can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning and quality of life. The message behind the Constitution Hill illumination is simple: persistent changes in movement, balance, speech or daily functioning should be taken seriously and discussed with a health care professional.