28/02/2026
28 February is observed as World Rare Disease Day.
Rare diseases are conditions that affect a small number of people. Because they are uncommon, awareness is limited, diagnosis is often delayed, and families may struggle to find the right support.
Dr. Rakesh Jain highlights why awareness matters. When we talk more about rare diseases, we improve early identification, expand research, and make advanced treatments more accessible.
Conditions such as Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, various myopathies, metabolic disorders, and lysosomal storage diseases are examples where medical progress is changing outcomes. Many of these conditions now have emerging or available treatment options because of continued research and global initiatives.
Greater awareness leads to earlier diagnosis.
Earlier diagnosis leads to better care.
Let us spread awareness so that families can recognize symptoms early and seek timely medical guidance.