Event Summary

Rare Disease Day was created by EURORDIS and was first launched in 2008 with the Council of National Alliances. The objective was to build a global awareness campaign to help bring rare diseases to the spotlight.

February 29, the rarest day, was chosen for the date and a logo was created.

The international awareness campaign continues to be coordinated by EURORDIS. The official partners are the rare disease National Alliances and they participate in the choice of the theme and slogan every year.

The theme and slogan were translated and printed on the official poster. EURORDIS also wrote a detailed infopack with information to help patient organisations use the materials provided and to build awareness with media or by organizing events.

18 countries participated with events ranging from policy events with personalities like Germany’s First Lady Eva Luise Köhler and the Swedish Crown Princess Victoria offering an award to a youth living with a rare disease for his exemplary actions, inspiring others.