If everyone with a Rare Disease lived in the same country we’d be the 3rd most populous country in the World! 
Rare disease affects all population groups in all countries and all sexes. Some rare diseases are more prevalent in a few cultures where there has been less outside family mixing.
It might help you to visualize the third most populous country is the United States* – we’re also the 3rd largest geographically*. Or think of ½ of the people in Europe all in one country. That’s a lot of people … but since 1 in 10 people have a Rare Disease it makes perfect sense.
Rare Facts – what we’ve learned so far …
1 in 10 have a Rare Disease.
over 7,000 Rare Diseases … 30 million Americans, 30 million Europeans, 350 million world-wide are affected by Rare Disease.
80% of Rare Diseases are genetic.
Rare Disease would be the 3rd most populous country.
February is Rare Disease month, culminating on February 29th – a Rare Day indeed – which is Rare Disease Day.
Stay tuned for month of Rare Disease facts, tidbits and things to know.
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