[Rare Disease Day]

Rare diseases require long-term treatment and management because disease-related information is limited. Furthermore, their causes and symptoms are very complex, which make full recovery and cure very challenging. Accordingly, annual celebrations are held to strengthen patients' and families' will to overcome and improve awareness of rare diseases among the public and policymakers. In 2008, the European Organization for Rare Diseases established the last day of February as "World Rare Disease Day" and has been conducting an annual campaign. The Republic of Korea also changed the Rare Disease Day to the same day as World Rare Disease Day through a law amendment in 2023. The year 2024 is significant. It will be the first time we celebrate the "Rare Disease Day" anniversary on the last day of February. A commemorative event and symposium will be held on this day to reflect its meaning.