100 days until Rare Disease Day 2020!

The countdown has begun for the 13^th edition of Rare Disease Day! Rare Disease Day will take place on 29 of February 2020, the rarest day of the year. The campaign is open to everyone to get involved and raise awareness for people living with a rare disease all over the world!

Raising awareness of what it means to be rare

There are over 300 million people worldwide living with a rare disease. Together across borders, and across 6000+ rare diseases we work towards more equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, care and social opportunity.

Rare is many. Rare is over 300 million people around the globe.

Rare is strong. The rare disease community joins together across borders and diseases to raise awareness and advocate for equity.

Rare is proud. Show your support for the rare disease community with pride! The likely truth is that you know one of the 1 in 20 people affected by a rare disease.

Raise awareness by showing your support on Rare Disease Day 2020!

Find some inspiration below for ideas to take part in this year’s campaign.

1. Share a photo to show solidarity with people living with a rare disease in your community! Share a photo with a raised and painted hand on social media using #RareDiseaseDay and tag @rarediseaseday.

2. Download the Rare Disease Day logo and make it visible at events. Hero the logo on flyers, on balloons, t-shirts and even cake- the possibilities are endless!

3. Use key rare disease statistics[1] to share the message that rare is many to the media.

   • 300 million people living with a rare disease worldwide

   • Over 6000 different rare diseases

   • 72% of rare diseases are genetic

   • 70% of those genetic rare diseases start in childhood

4. Advocate to policy-makers that people living with a rare disease need equitable access to diagnosis, treatment and care. For more information on advocating for rare diseases as part of Universal Health Coverage see a position paper from Rare Diseases International.

5. Share the new campaign materials soon to be available in the downloads section.

6. Support the Rare Disease Day campaign to grow its impact around the world by making a donation. Why not consider donating as part of Giving Tuesday on 3 December.

Share your Rare Disease Day activities with us!

Tell us about what activities you have planned to be featured on the Rare Disease Day website.

• Upload your Rare Disease Day event
• Find an event taking place in your country.
• Tell your story if you are living with or caring for someone with a rare disease.
• Become a friend of Rare Disease Day on behalf of your company or organisation.
• Follow Rare Disease Day on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and use #RareDiseaseDay
• Add the official Facebook frame and Twibbon to your profile photos!