A Rare Day for Rare Disease

12.00.00am GMT Fri 29th Feb 2008

Dr Evan Harris MP, attended a Parliamentary Reception on Tuesday (26th) to mark Europe's first Rare Disease Day which takes place today, 29th February 2008. Over 150 patients from across the country travelled to Westminster for the event to meet parliamentarians face to face and raise the awareness of the needs of patients with rare diseases.

Rare diseases are life-threatening or chronically debilitating diseases with a low prevalence and a high level of complexity. There are over 8000 rare conditions identified, and they affect over 3.5 million people in the UK and over 300 million people in the EU at some point in their life. Dr Harris welcomed the First European Rare Disease Day and said "for patients with very rare diseases and their families, who are particularly isolated and vulnerable, a day focussed on rare diseases can bring hope as well as information to these individuals".

The event in the House of Commons was organised by Genetic Interest Group (GIG), a national alliance of patient organisations which support children, families and individuals affected by genetic disorders in the UK, and their European partner Eurordis (an alliance of patient organisations and individuals active in the field of rare diseases).

This important event was an opportunity for Dr Harris to discuss policy developments with patients such as equal access and availability of prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for people with Rare Disease and how the UK experience could provide a role model in some areas.

Dr Harris, who met with some of his constituents at the event, said, "although the UK does have specialist commissioning for some rare diseases it is not accessible by all and patients with rare conditions. It is vital that my constituents with rare diseases are able to access the appropriate health services and I commend the work of the patient groups in this area".

Tanya Collin-Histed, Executive Director at the Gauchers Association, a disease that affects 245 people in the UK, spoke about the benefits some patients had gained through receiving treatment and care at these specialist centres, "Being able to see specialists in a centre dedicated to our condition has been of enormous benefit to patients. They are able to see people who look at their condition as a whole, and who know about the effects that it can have. They also have access to the latest treatment developments. It has been a lifeline to patients."

Alastair Kent, Director of the GIG said, "Raising awareness of genetic disorders is vital. Although alone they are rare, together there are over 3.5 million people in the UK affected. Many patients have similar issues and concerns and together we can help patients to access the NHS in a fair and equitable manner".

Also discussed were

•The importance and need of funded research and care in the rare disease area

•The need for specific health policies, support networks, best practice guidelines, and increased expertise among carers and healthcare professionals in the UK of rare diseases.

•The need to ensure common policy guidelines are developed and shared everywhere in Europe: specific actions - in areas such as research, centres of expertise, access to information, incentives for the development of orphan drugs, screening

The London Parliamentary reception which took place on Tuesday 26th February to highlight the impact of rare conditions .was just one of many events taking place throughout Europe to mark the day.

Rare Disease Day will happen every year from 2008 onward and will continue to drive the understanding of genetic disorders and the impact that they have on patients' lives among the media, decisions makers, health professionals and the general public.