27/02/2026
Rare Disease Day, 28 February 2026
Rare Disease Day takes place at the end of February each year and raises awareness of rare conditions and the people affected by them.
While individual conditions are rare, together they affect millions of people in the UK and worldwide.
🔹 3.5 million people in the UK live with a rare condition
🔹 300 million people worldwide are affected
🔹 there are 7,000+ identified rare diseases
🔹 72% of rare diseases are genetic
🔹 70% of genetic rare diseases start in childhood
🔹 one in five cancers are rare
This year’s theme, , highlights the importance of fair access to diagnosis, treatment, care and opportunities for everyone affected by rare disease.
🎙️ To mark Rare Disease Day, Professor Derralynn Hughes, director of research and innovation at the Royal Free London, will be interviewed on Voice of Islam Radio’s breakfast show on Friday 27 February, 8.15 to 8.45am.
The discussion, When Science Meets Compassion: Rare Disease, Faith and Hope, will explore rare disease awareness and the importance of equity in care.
The interview will be broadcast live on DAB radio and streamed online via the Voice of Islam Radio website: https://ow.ly/Ljtk50Ymwyr
Rare diseases are a local priority within our clinical strategy for the Royal Free Hospital, which is a specialist centre for conditions including immunodeficiency, haemophilia and amyloidosis.
