Did you know:
- there are more people in Australia living with a genetic, undiagnosed and rare disease, than with diabetes or cancer?
- it is estimated that around 6 to 8% of children born in Australia every year will have a rare genetic condition?
- one third of children born with a rare genetic condition will die before the age of five?
On 28 February 2022, Rare Disease Day continued its work in raising awareness for the 300 million people worldwide living with a rare disease, working towards equity in social housing, healthcare, and access to diagnoses and therapies.
For Australians impacted by genetic, undiagnosed and rare diseases, access to testing, treatment, clinical trials, research, care pathways, support and social services is not equitable. Not all Australians have the opportunity to live their best lives – potential and possibilities may never be realised.
More insights into the impact genetic, undiagnosed or rare diseases can have can be seen in this three minute clip.
Through campaigning and awareness, important progress continues to be made with joint international advocacy efforts for universal health coverage, part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to advocate for equitable health systems that meet the needs of people affected by rare diseases.
More information about Rare Disease Day can be found on the Genetic Support Network Victoria website.
Approved by Dr Anand Ponniraivan.