Rare Disease Day 2023

There are 300 million people living with a rare disease in the world.

• 72% of rare diseases are genetic 
• Rare diseases currently affect 5% of the world’s population
• 70% of rare diseases start in childhood
• 1 in 5 cancers is rare
• There are 6,000+ identified rare diseases

That’s why today is Rare Disease Day, the rarest day of the year. Rare Disease Day is the globally-coordinated movement on rare diseases, working towards equity in social opportunity, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with rare diseases. It is observed every year on February 28. 

Supporting the rare diseases community is important to MCI Group since much of our therapeutic area work supports rare CNS (central nervous system) and oncology disorders.  

Anyone in the general public can participate in raising awareness for Rare Disease Day, by taking action tomorrow for this vulnerable population who require immediate and urgent attention.

The Rare Disease Day website offers many resources to help you campaign for equitable access to resources within this community.  “Sharing your colors” via social media also helps patient organizations, patient advocates, and others interested in campaigning for equity for rare diseases to identify resources and promote campaign events.