Delegate: Brazilian Association of Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia (ABRANHI)
Delegate Short Bio: The Brazilian Association of Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia (ABRANHI) is a nonprofit, patient-led organization founded in 2019 to support people living with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia in Brazil.
The association promotes public awareness about rare sleep disorders and excessive daytime sleepiness through educational initiatives, patient support activities, and collaboration with healthcare professionals and researchers. ABRANHI also participates in scientific meetings and contributes to dialogue on improving diagnosis, treatment, and access to specialized sleep care.
The organization works with clinical and academic partners, including the Hypersomnia Research Center at Pedro Ernesto University Hospital (UERJ) and researchers at the Federal Fluminense University (UFF), while providing guidance and support to patients and families facing the daily challenges of central disorders of hypersomnolence.
Scope of Activity: Campaign of multiple activities
Activity: Promoting Sleep Health and Equity in Rare Sleep Disorders
From March 13 to March 27, 2026, ABRANHI will conduct a virtual awareness campaign focused on sleep health, public policy, and the importance of sleep as an essential component of health, highlighting the lived experience of people with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.
The campaign aims to broaden public understanding of sleep health by bringing the discussion beyond settings traditionally limited to medical specialists and researchers. In Brazil, sleep health remains largely absent from public debate, particularly in socially vulnerable contexts where access to information and specialized care is more limited.
By sharing the experiences of patients and families from diverse social and cultural backgrounds, ABRANHI seeks to draw attention to sleep equity and reinforce that sleep health should be accessible to everyone, including people living with rare sleep disorders. The campaign will also feature testimonials and reflections from patients and families, sharing real-life experiences with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.
All campaign materials will be developed using evidence-based information and accessible language. Personal stories and images will be shared only with prior informed consent, respecting privacy and the option of anonymity.
Location: Brazil (virtual/online campaign)
Date of Activity: March 13–27, 2026
