Rare disease day

• Rare disease day is held on the last day of February to raise awareness for rare diseases and improve access to treatment and medical representation for individuals with rare diseases and their families.
• The theme for 2015 is : ‘Living with a Rare Disease: Day-by-Day, Hand-in-Hand‘.
• It was first observed on February 29, 2008.
• It is organised by the European Organization for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS).
• February 29 was chosen as it is a ‘rare day’.
• Also, 2008 marked the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the Orphan Drug Act in the United State of America.
• Press conferences are held to raise awareness and events are held around the world by various partner organisations.

Official website: http://www.rarediseaseday.org/