World Rare Disease Day 2023 – Theme, Importance, Quiz

On 2024 February 2023 India celebrates the 15th edition of the World Rare Disease Day 2024. If we read through the US’s Orphan Drug Act of 1983, it describes Rare disease as any disease affecting fewer than 200,000 people. Sadly, at this point, many of these rare diseases are without cures or treatment due to the significant absence of people available to participate in scientific studies.  Across the globe, people with rare diseases struggle to receive a proper diagnosis and get treatment. Every year, EURORDIS (The European Organization for Rare Disorders), organizes the Rare Disease Day to increase awareness about the rare medical conditions and to comfort both patients and their family.

Attempt our free weekly current affairs mock tests 

World Rare Disease Day 2023 History

In the United States, a rare disease is defined as a condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the US. This definition was created by the US Congress during the 1983 Orphan Drug Act. In Europe, a disease defined as rare when it affects fewer than 1 in 2,000 people. The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) has suggested that a rare disease should be defined as one with a frequency of less than 6.5 – 10 per 10,000 people. So every country defines a rare disease most appropriate in the context of its own population, the health care system and resources.

In India, there has no standard definition for rare diseases. Considering our population, ORDI (Organization for Rare Disease in India) suggests a disease be defined as rare if it affects 1 in 5,000 people or less. Rare diseases are also known as orphan diseases because drug companies were not interested in adopting them to develop treatments. There are more than 7000+ Rare Diseases are reported across the globe, and 1 in 20 Indians, around 70 million is affected by one of these RDs.

Attempt our free Numerical Ability mock tests 

World Rare Disease Day 2023 Significance

The European Organisation for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) organized the very first World Rare Disease Day held on February 29, 2008. February 29 was chosen because February 29 is a “rare day,” and 2008 was the 25th anniversary of the passing of the Orphan Drug Act in the United States. From 2008 onwards EUROORDIS organizes the World Rare Disease day annually on the last day of February with various awareness programmes across the globe. In India there are 256 Rare diseases are registered with ORDI, a national umbrella organization representing all patients with rare diseases in India. Some of these diseases are:

• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
• Farber Disease (ACID CERAMIDASE DEFICIENCY)
• Gaucher Disease
• GM2 Gangliosidosis
• Hirschsprung’s disease
• IEM Disorders – (Inborn errors of metabolism)
• Interstitial Cystitis
• Jansen’s metaphyseal chondrodysplasia (JMC)
• Lamellar Ichthyosis
• Lysosomal Storage Disorders

World Rare Disease Day 2023 Theme

The theme for Rare Disease Day in 2023 is “Share Your Colours”. This theme is aimed at encouraging individuals to share their personal stories about living with a rare disease and how it has affected their lives. The idea behind this theme is to raise awareness about rare diseases and to highlight the importance of providing support and resources for those who are affected. The “colours” in the theme symbolize the unique qualities and experiences that each individual brings to the table, regardless of their medical condition. By sharing their stories, individuals can help to break down stigmas and misconceptions surrounding rare diseases, while also fostering a sense of community and support.

• If you are trying already, then try harder to see past the tough times and gaze upon the good times that are waiting to happen. Wishing you a very happy Rare Disease Day.
• Your immune system may be in question, but the sheer will to live a happy life shall never be in question. Wishing you all the best in life on this special day of Rare Disease Day.
• Together we are strong and mighty. No one can take that away from us.
• you need to understand a simple thing. You are not a burden; you have a burden that is too heavy to carry on your own.
• The illness may be Rare, yet you have reached Roar. All the very best wishes to you on the eve of Rare Disease Day.

World Rare Disease Day 2023 Quiz

• Which country enacted the very first country Orphan Drug Act?

Ans: USA

• Which organization started the Rare Disease Day celebration?

Ans: EURORDIS (The European Organization for Rare Disorders)

• How many rare diseases are there?

Ans:  6,800 (In India 256 Rare diseases are registered with ORDI)

• What was the theme for World Rare Disease Day 2021?

Ans: The theme for Rare Disease Day 2021 was “Rare is many. Rare is strong. Rare is proud.“.

Attempt our free weekly current affairs mock tests