Rare Disease Day 2024: February 28th is observed as Rare Disease Day. When so much is occurring in the world, it is extremely easy to put off vital concerns such as one’s health. To bring attention to rare diseases, we therefore observe the last day of February annually by marking our calendars. Rare Disease Day raises awareness of rare diseases, motivating policymakers and researchers to address their needs, affecting one in twenty individuals annually.
Rare Disease Day History
The European Organization for Rare Diseases established the inaugural Rare Disease Day on February 29, 2008. A date is considered “rare” if it occurs only once every four years. Rare Disease Day has been observed annually on the final day of February, a month renowned for its uncommon day count. In addition to increasing access to treatment and medical representation for individuals with rare diseases and their families, the purpose of this day is to bring attention to these conditions. As inadequate as the social networks that support individuals with rare diseases and their families are the treatments for many of these conditions.
On Rare Disease Day, participants organize fundraisers, organize press conferences, and treks, compose letters en masse to government representatives, and host gatherings, campaigns, and events. Additionally, an open session of the European Parliament is scheduled for the day, which is dedicated to the discussion of policy matters concerning uncommon diseases. Other policy-related events take place in various locations in the days preceding Rare Disease Day. For instance, policymakers convene at a reception held in the British Parliament with individuals afflicted with rare diseases. The purpose of these gatherings is to deliberate on matters including equitable access and availability of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Every year since its inception, thousands of events have taken place, including seminars, art exhibits, and races and walks. The purpose of these gatherings is to provoke policymakers’ interest and motivate community transformation. On this day, historical structures such as the Colosseum and the Empire State Building illuminate in the emblematic colors pink, blue, and green to inspire millions of people around the globe and convey messages of solidarity.
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FAQs for Rare Disease Day
Define a rare disease.
Rare diseases are considered uncommon if their incidence rate is below 1 in 2,000 individuals. However, more than 300 million individuals worldwide have one or more of the more than 6,000 rare diseases that researchers have identified.
Which hue represents Rare Disease Day?
Rare Disease Day associates pink, blue, and green as prevailing hues, but locally donned symbols may vary.
Define a disease.
A disease is any structural or functional abnormality that does not arise directly from physical harm to a human, animal, or plant.
Day of Rare Disease Activities
Proclaim the word
Share social media posts commemorating Rare Disease Day to motivate your acquaintances to increase their awareness of rare diseases.
Participating Volunteer
Thousands of events organize annually throughout the globe during February on Rare Disease Day. Healthcare professionals, patient organizations, policymakers, researchers, and other members of the rare disease community coordinate Rare Disease Day events. Locate local events, or develop your own by visiting the website.
Recount Your Story
Participate in Rare Disease Day by communicating a message of solidarity and sharing your personal experience. You may submit photographs or a video testimonial in addition to a written account of your disease on rarediseaseday.org.
Five facts regarding rare diseases
1 in 10
Roughly one in ten individuals in the United States battles an uncommon disease.
It primarily impacts adolescents.
Children comprise 50% of those afflicted with uncommon diseases.
On a Global Scale
Rare diseases impact more than 300 million individuals globally.
Acquiring Support
Fifty percent of rare diseases that impact the human population lack a research support group or foundation.
A large quantity
The FDA does not have a license for 95% of rare diseases’ treatments.
RARE DISEASE DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February 28 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | February 28 | Friday |
| 2026 | February 28 | Saturday |
| 2027 | February 28 | Sunday |
| 2028 | February 28 | Monday |
