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Rare Disease Day 2024: Rare Disease Day is celebrated on 29 February, every year to raise awareness about rare diseases and to ensure that they have equal access to healthcare. This day is dedicated to highlighting the challenges faced by people living with rare illnesses and to promoting research for new treatments.
According to the Organization for Rare Diseases India (ORDI), around 300 million people worldwide are affected by rare diseases, with some being discovered still.
The history of Rare Disease Day dates back to 1980, when a platform was first set up to raise awareness about rare diseases in Europe.
In 1999, the European Organisation for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) designated a special day to raise awareness about rare diseases across Europe. It was first celebrated in eleven European countries, and it marked the beginning of a worldwide movement to raise awareness in the healthcare sector.
In 2008, the need to recognize Rare Disease Day became global, and more countries joined the initiative to make it an International day.
In 2015, Rare Disease Day was officially declared an International Day by the United General Assembly, which further solidified the significance of this day.
The significance of Rare Disease Day is to emphasize the necessity of early diagnosis and treatment for people suffering from rare illnesses.
Rare Disease Day also aims to raise awareness and promote social inclusion for people living with rare diseases, thereby reducing the stigma associated with these illnesses.
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