Rare Disease Day is observed every year on 28 February (or 29 in leap years)—the rarest day of the year. Over 6000 rare diseases are characterized by a broad diversity of disorders and symptoms that vary not only from disease to disease, but also from patient to patient suffering from the same disease.
- A disease is Rare when it affects fewer than 1 in 2000 people
- 70% of Rare diseases start in childhood
- More than 6000 Rare diseases have been identified
- 72% of rare diseases are genetic
- 3.5 – 5.9% of the population is affected
- 1 of 5 cancers is Rare
Rare Disease Day is a globally-coordinated movement that raises awareness for the 300 million people living with rare diseases around the world. It is working towards equity in social opportunity, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease.
The long-term goal of the Rare Disease Day campaign is to achieve equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, health, education and social opportunity for people affected by a rare disease. It is about acknowledging Diversity and Inclusion. A day to bring awareness to the community and all students regarding the challenges that children with rare diseases experience and how to include them in student interactions.
On February 28th, students and staff are asked to share their colours to help shine the light on people living with a rare disease and help to improve the lives of our students living with rare diseases. For more information please see: https://www.rarediseaseday.org/