Rare Disease Day
February 28 · Level 8 · #573 of 2238
Rare Disease Day gives visibility to people living with conditions that an individual doctor may seldom encounter. The campaign calls attention to timely diagnosis, access to treatment, research and support for patients and their families.
How it is celebrated: patient organizations share personal stories, host gatherings and run awareness activities. Buildings are illuminated in campaign colours, while participants discuss ways to make healthcare and everyday life more accessible.
The first observance took place on February 29, 2008, choosing a rare date for rare diseases. It now falls on February's last day, returning to the 29th whenever a leap year comes around.