Did you know that more than 300 million people worldwide are affected by a rare disease? These patients are a vulnerable and often neglected population, and they are disproportionally affected by stigma, discrimination and social marginalization both within their social environment and in society at large.
There are over 6,000 rare diseases, many of which are chronic, progressive, degenerative, disabling and often life-threatening. Due to the rarity of each disease and scattered populations, expertise and information are scarce. In health and support systems designed for common diseases, those with a rare disease face inequities in accessing diagnosis, care and treatments. People with rare diseases also face discrimination at work, school and leisure activities.
On Rare Disease Day 2026, URAC honors those patients with rare diseases and thanks the doctors, nurses, pharmacists, families and other health care providers who ensure that patients with rare diseases are treated with the special care and dignity they deserve.
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