Facts and figures

There are more than 7,000 different types of rare disorders, with more being discovered each day.

If all the people with rare diseases lived in one country (350 million), it would be the world's 3rd most populous country.

80% of rare diseases are genetic in origin and thus are present throughout a person's life even if the symptoms do not immediately appear.

Approximately 50% of the people affected by rare diseases are children.

30% of children with a rare disease will not live to see their 5th birthday.

95% of rare diseases have no approved drug treatments.

Approximately 50% of rare diseases do not have a disease specific foundation supporting or researching their rare disease.