Rare Disease Day 2024 – History, significance and other details

946

4 min read

Updated on Jan 23, 2024

Rare Disease Day is an occasion observed on the last day of February every year. This year February 28 marks Rare Disease Day. Let us learn about this day in detail. 

World Rare Disease Day 2024 will be observed on February 28, the last day of the month of February. The day is observed to increase awareness about rare diseases and to support people suffering from such diseases with improved access to treatment. So, let’s get into the details of the day.

What is Rare Disease? What is the significance of Rare Disease Day?

A disease is termed as rare when it affects a single person in over 2,000 people. There are over 6,000 rare diseases identified around the world and over 300 million individuals are living with one or more of such rare diseases.

Rare Disease Day is a global movement on rare diseases that aims at providing equality to people suffering from such diseases. The day is also marked as an occasion to fight for the rights of the affected people in all spheres including healthcare, social prospects and better facilities of diagnosis and treatment.

Overall, it is estimated that an average number of 1 person in 20 suffer from a rare disease or face a rare disease at least one time during their life. Also, only a few of these diseases allow a cure, while for the rest of the people, they might have to live with the disease for life. Rare Disease Day aims to improve awareness of the common people about rare diseases. It also works towards addressing the requirements of such people who are living with a rare disease. Thus, every year the last day of February is marked as a Rare Disease Day.

Rare Disease Day 2024 – History

The Rare Disease Day was founded by a European Association working for rare diseases called EURORDIS along with more than 65 partners of national alliance patient organisations. The special day was initiated first on 29th February, 2008 to mark it on a ‘rare’ date (leap year) which comes only after four years. The day has been celebrated since 2008 on the last day of February every year.

Rare Disease Day is organized to enhance awareness about the rare diseases as well as to allow better access to good treatment for people living with rare diseases. There are many such rare diseases which lack treatment as well as support from organizations and groups.

Rare Disease Day – Activities and Events

From the very beginning of the event, the day has seen participation of people from all walks of life through various means such as workshops, art exhibits, and other activities like making rare disease day logos or writing rare disease day quotes etc. The events were held to inspire policy makers to bring change in the overall development and support of people with rare diseases.

Below are some activities through which you can participate in Rare Disease Day activities.

  • Spread awareness among people – Use various tools of communication to spread the message of rare diseases among people and inspire them to further raise awareness
  • Volunteer service – Since numerous events are taking place every year across different parts of the globe during the entire month of February, you can volunteer to be a part of one or two such events close to you. Further, you can also start an event on your own to support the cause
  • Share stories – You can share your story to inspire other people. You can send message of solidarity or share photos and videos too on the occasion of International Day of Rare Diseases.

Health Insurance from PayBima

Some Rare Disease Day Facts

  • Rare diseases affect children at a great extent
  • It has been observed that over 50% cases of rare diseases have occurred in children
  • Rare diseases affect as many as 300 million people globally
  • Most of the people suffering from rare diseases do not have any support group to back them
  • Most of the rare diseases lack treatment .

What is Unique About Rare Disease Day?

  • Awareness raising – By informing and educating people about the Rare Disease, it improves people’s understanding about the rare diseases and encourages relevant authorities to address the various needs and requirements of people surviving with rare diseases.
  • Finding Cure – Since majority of the rare diseases do not have proper cure, they may go undiagnosed. However, with awareness many possibilities can be opened for searching a cure to rare diseases.
  • Saving lives – Various policies globally related to advances made in the rare diseases are seen over the years. These policies have helped in improving the life quality of people suffering from rare diseases across the world.

Popular Health Insurance Companies

Related Articles by PayBima

Found this post informational?

Browse PayBima Blogs to read interesting posts related to Health Insurance, Car Insurance, Bike Insurance, Term Life Insurance, and Investment section. You can visit PayBima to Buy Insurance Online.

Also, check out the PayBima’s Guide and Glossary section –

FAQs: Rare Disease Day 2024

What is a rare disease Day?

A disease is termed as rare when it affects a single person in over 2,000 people. There are over 6,000 rare diseases identified around the world and over 300 million individuals are living with one or more such rare diseases.

Why is rare disease day important?

The Rare Disease Day is marked as an occasion to fight for the rights of people living with rare diseases in all spheres including healthcare, social opportunity and better facilities of diagnosis and treatment. 

Which colour signifies the rare disease day?

The colour for rare disease day or the colours which signify Rare Disease Day are pink, blue, and green. Further, there may be locally worn symbols that may vary.

What is a disease?

A disease is a condition/illness that affects the functioning of human beings. It might also affect animals, plants etc. 

Other Health Insurance Products

Jan 23, 2024
SHARE THIS ON
Author Bio
Author Image

PayBima Team
PayBima is an Indian insurance aggregator on a mission to make insurance simple for people. PayBima is the Digital arm of the already established and trusted Mahindra Insurance Brokers Ltd., a reputed name in the insurance broking industry with 17 years of experience. PayBima promises you the easy-to-access online platform to buy insurance policies, and also extend their unrelented assistance with all your policy related queries and services.

Related Blogs

Would love to hear from you

Share your candid feedback. Your email address won’t be published, we promise!

All fields are required

Find your suitable insurance plan

Speak to our advisor

Latest Posts

Mahindra Insurance Brokers Limited (A Mahindra Group Company) - Unit-202, A-Wing, 2nd Floor, Amiti Building, Agastya Corporate Park, Kamani Junction, LBS Marg, Kurla West, Mumbai - 400070. Tel: +91 22 66423800

Licenced by IRDAI License No. 261; License Validity : 17-05-2025; Category : Composite Broker; CIN : U65990MH1987PLCO42609 Member of Insurance Brokers Association of India (IBAI).

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation.

For a seamless experience, use the latest version of Chrome/Firefox/Internet Explorer.

Copyright © 2024 Mahindra Insurance Brokers. All Right Reserved.

Get A Call Back
Get A Call Back