Remembering rare diseases amidst a pandemic

AHEAD of World Rare Disease Day on Feb 28, the Rare Diseases Alliance Foundation Malaysia (RDAFM) congratulates the government on the launch of the National Unity 2021-2030 Blueprint. We reiterate Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s message, that “Empathy towards others is our asset and our strength”. RDAFM supports this latest initiative as well as the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination programme to combat the pandemic.

Rare diseases, also known as “orphan diseases”, affects 4% to 6% of populations, with over 7,000 different conditions reported. These diseases can affect anyone regardless of race, gender, age or socio- economic background.