What is a Rare Disease?
In Europe a disease is classified as rare if it affects fewer than 1 in 2000 people.
80% of rare diseases are of genetic origin and emerge during childhood.
There are currently over 7000 known rare diseases.
It is estimated that in Italy there are 2 million rare disease patients and 30 million in Europe.
FEBRUARY 29th
World Rare Disease Day
Rare Disease Day was first launched in 2008 by EURORDIS, a federation representing 826 patient organizations in 70 European countries. EURORDIS is the voice of 30 million people affected by rare diseases in Europe. Rare are designed and implemented by hundreds of patient organizations and associations around the world, working locally and nationally to raise awareness of disease in the community.
Rare Disease Day is celebrated around the world on February 29 (the rarest day, which happens every four years) and, when missing, on 28. The goal of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness public opinion and policy makers on rare diseases and their impact on patients’ lives.
Rare Disease Day was first launched in 2008 by EURORDIS, a federation representing 826 patient organizations in 70 European countries. EURORDIS is the voice of 30 million people affected by rare diseases in Europe. Rare are designed and implemented by hundreds of patient organizations and associations around the world, working locally and nationally to raise awareness of disease in the community.
Rare Disease Day is celebrated around the world on February 29 (the rarest day, which happens every four years) and, when missing, on 28. The goal of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness public opinion and policy makers on rare diseases and their impact on patients’ lives.