Why is it in the news?
Observed globally on 28 February to highlight challenges faced by rare disease patients.
Emphasizes equity in diagnosis, treatment and healthcare access.
Category: Misc
Important Points:
● Established in 2008; coordinated by EURORDIS
● Rare disease defined as affecting ≤1 in 2,000 persons (emerging consensus)
● 6,000–10,000 rare diseases globally
● Affect 300–450 million people worldwide
● ~95% lack approved curative treatments
● 50–75% manifest during childhood; ~80% genetic origin
● India lacks formal prevalence-based definition
● NPRD 2021 categorizes diseases by treatability (Group 1, 2, 3)
● Financial support up to Rs. 50 lakh for 63 rare diseases
● 7 additional diseases exempted from import duties (Budget 2026–27)