Locals urged to mark Rare Disease Day on February 28

Rare Disease Day, February 28, marks a globally-coordinated movement on rare diseases.

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It works towards equity in social opportunity and healthcare, while accessing diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease.

According to Rare Diseases South Africa, one in five South Africans is affected by a rare disease.

While they may be rare, with over 7 000 known rare diseases, they are more common than expected.

The organisation aims to support 4.1 million South Africans who have been or will be diagnosed with a rare disease or congenital disorder in their lifetime.

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This annual event was established in 2008 and plays a critical role in building an international rare disease community that is multi-disease, global, and diverse but united in purpose, as reported by rarediseaseday.org
These diseases are often hard to diagnose and treat because they have common symptoms.

This can cause misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.

Some of the most common rare diseases found in South Africa include:

• Benign neoplasms

• Williams syndrome

• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

• Endocrine and metabolic disorders

• Musculoskeletal conditions

• Skin and soft tissue conditions

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• Guillain-Barré syndrome

• Scleroderma

• Neurofibromatosis

• Fragile X syndrome

Get involved by sharing your colours, events, illuminated buildings, monuments and homes on social media to create awareness.

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“Colours can speak louder than words. This Rare Disease Day, we want you to brighten the world with your colour.

“Your voice can help us raise much-needed awareness for rareness. Our mission is to ensure a better tomorrow for all those affected,” said Rare Diseases South Africa.

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