Rare diseases in Malaysia need more attention and support

WE refer to the article that appeared in StarMetro on June 21 about Malaysian beauty queens hosting an event to raise awareness of rare diseases, encourage inclusivity and generate funding for people living with such ailments.

Rare diseases – as defined by Orphanet, the portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs – are diseases that afflict a small number of people in comparison with the general population, and they create special concerns due to their rarity. (Orphan drugs are drugs that are not developed for economic reasons but for a public health need and often need government support to produce.)