Rare Disease Day in 2011

Started in 2008, Rare Disease Day seeks to raise awareness of rare diseases, and to improve access to treatment and medical representation for individuals with rare diseases and their families.

Rare Disease Day is held every year on the last day of February. Started in 2008, it seeks to raise awareness of rare diseases, and to improve access to treatment and medical representation for individuals with rare diseases and their families. It is co-ordinated by the European Organisation for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS).

In 2011, the day's theme is 'rare but equal'. It is focusing on the differences between and within countries for patients with rare diseases, and compared to other segments of society. It is advocating for equal access for these patients to healthcare, social services, basic social rights, medicines and treatments.

About 30 million people living in the European Union (EU) suffer from a rare disease. The EU offers incentives to comp