The 17th edition of Rare Disease Day took place on a leap year on 29 February 2024.  Over 75 countries and regions joined their voices, organizing more than 670 different kinds of events all that were registered on the Rare Disease Day website.

This year’s campaign saw growth as 6 new National Alliance partners joined: Rare Diseases Bulgaria, Federación Ecuatoriana de Enfermedades Raras o Poco Frecuentes (Ecuador), Rare Diseases Society of Nepal, Centre Alliance (Rwanda), Thai Rare Disease Foundation (Thailand)

Many countries participated in Light Up For Rare with significant structures in Malta and Gozo being lit up to raise awareness. In Australia alone there were 60 landmarks illuminated thanks to the help of Rare Voices Australia. Warsaw’s Palace of Culture and Science as well as the Duna Arena and Fisherman’s Bastion in Hungary were lit up as part of the Global Chain of Lights.

The 2024 official video was available in 61 different languages.

Media Coverage

Rare Disease Day grew online and in real life as participants were invited to ‘Light up for Rare’ and spread the message; ‘Share your colours’.

A first for Rare Disease Day – The ESMO Rare Cancer Working Group/Rare Cancers Europe issued a statement on Rare Cancers on the 29th February within the frame of Rare Disease Day.

Social Media highlight

On Rare Disease Day 2024 alone there were 31,600 mentions and around 69 million people were reached through social media. During the entire campaign, there were almost 50 thousand mentions and an estimated 95 million people were reached through social media.

The Rare on Air stories showcased some of the powerful stories the Rare Disease Day website receives to show strength and unity. From January until Rare Disease Day 2024, there were 9 short episodes every week with the best performing episode obtaining 100 listens.