About Rare Disease Day

Find out what Rare Disease Day is about

29 February 2020 will be the thirteenth international Rare Disease Day coordinated by EURORDIS. On and around this day hundreds of patient organisations from countries and regions all over the world will hold awareness-raising activities. 

Rare Disease DayWhat is Rare Disease Day?

Rare Disease Day is held on the last day of February every year to raise awareness of rare diseases.
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Rare DiseaseWhat is a Rare Disease?

A rare disease, also referred to as an orphan disease, is any disorder that affects a small percentage of the population. Although the disease may be rare, patients and families share a common struggle.
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Rare Disease DayOverview of Past Rare Disease Days

See year-by-year highlights and how Rare Disease Day has grown since its first celebration in 2008!
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Thank you to all who took part in Rare Disease Day 2019
Thank you to all who took part in Rare Disease Day 2019
We have come a long way from the first Rare Disease Day which took place over a decade ago in 2008 when 18 countries took part. This year, Rare Disease Day was celebrated by patient groups, policy-mak...
14 Mar 2019
Today is Rare Disease Day 2019
Today is Rare Disease Day 2019
Today on Rare Disease Day 2019 the worldwide rare disease community is joining together to raise awareness of rare diseases by holding events, conferences and fundraisers. Thousands of Rare Disease Da...
28 Feb 2019
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