Introduction
A disease is defined as rare when it affects less than 1 per 2000 persons. It is estimated there are about 6000 to 8000 rare diseases, affecting some 350 million patients around the world. About 75% of these patients are children, out of which 30% die before their fifth birthday. Rare diseases are characterized by a wide range of diversified disorders and symptoms, varying not only from one disease to another, but also from one patient to another, albeit suffering from the same disease. It is for this reason that rare diseases are generally considered a heavy burden upon the shoulders of societies.
Under the theme: “Rare, but Strong Together”, the World Rare Disease Day is celebrated every year at the end of February. It basically aims to raise health awareness of patients, their families, all society members and decision makers with regard to the most severe rere diseases affecting society, their effect upon patients' lives, and how to combat them.
Internationally Approved Date: 29/2/2012
Locally Approved Date: 7/4/1433 H
Theme
(Rare, but Strong Together)
The World Rare Disease Day underscores the importance of cooperation and solidarity between rare disease patients and the whole society, in addition to encouraging medical support and research in the field of rare diseases.
Targeted Groups
- Rare disease patients and their families.
- Health decision makers.
- Health researchers and professionals.
- Concerned health associations and organizations.
The whole society.
Objectives and General Message
Such lofty objectives could not be accomplished without complete solidarity between patients, the society and the whole world.
Logo
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