Rare Disease Day 2020 takes place on the last day of February. However, this year is an exception as it is a leap year and will take place the day before the last day of February. This year is the 13th edition of the international day of rare disease awareness, and highlights that ‘Rare is many, rare is strong and rare is proud’. The main objective of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness amongst the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their impact on patients’ lives.
The campaign targets primarily the general public and also seeks to raise awareness amongst policy makers, public authorities, industry representatives, researchers, health professionals and anyone who has a genuine interest in rare diseases.
This day aims to build awareness of rare diseases because 1 in 20 people will live with a rare disease at some point in their life. Despite this, there is no cure for the majority of rare diseases and many go undiagnosed. Rare Disease Day 2020, and all RDDs, improves knowledge amongst the general public of rare diseases while encouraging researchers and decision makers to address the needs of those living with rare diseases.
