February 28, 2017 is rare disease day (the last day in February each year).
On Rare Disease Day, millions of patients and their families around the world share their stories to promote awareness of the challenges, hopes and needs of those living with rare diseases. This day of awareness was launched in Europe in 2008 by EURORDIS; it is now observed in almost 100 nations.
- In Europe, a disease or disorder is defined as rare when it affects fewer than 1 in 2,000.
- In the US, a disease or disorder is defined as rare when it affects fewer than 200,000.
According to the Rare Disease Day website:
- 80% of rare diseases have identified genetic origins whilst others are the result of infections (bacterial or viral), allergies and environmental causes, or are degenerative and proliferative.
- 50% of rare diseases affect children.