What is Rare Disease | What is Rare Disease Day ?

A Disease is considered RARE if it affects fewer than 200,000 PEOPLE across a Broad Range of Possible Disorders.

The US Organization Global Genes has estimated that more than 300 million people (10% of the Population) worldwide are living with one of the approximately 7,000 Diseases they define as "RARE" in the United States. That's nearly 10% of the Population. Nearly Two-Third of those affected by Rare Diseases are Children.

Chronic Genetic Diseases are commonly classified as RARE. Among numerous possibilities, Rare Diseases may result from Bacterial or Viral Infections, Allergies, Chromosome Disorders, Degenerative and Proliferative Causes, affecting any body organs. Rare Diseases may be Chronic or Incurable, although many Short-Term Medical Conditions are also rare Diseases.

About 40 Rare Diseases have a far Higher Prevalence in Finland; these are known collectively as Finnish Heritage Disease. Similarly, there are Rare Genetic diseases among the Amish Religious Communities in the US and among ethnically Jewish People.

Rare Disease Day was first observed in Europe in 2008. It was established by EURORDIS, the European Rare Disease Organization. The concept has continued to expand beyond the United States and Europe. In 2014, more than 80 Countries participated. Each Year, Rare Disease Day is observed on the Last Day of February ( Feb. 29 in Leap Years and Feb. 28 in other Years).