What is rare?

In Europe, a disease is classified as rare when it affects fewer than 1 in 2000 people.

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Currently, there are more than 7000 known rare diseases, with the majority having a genetic basis. They may also
result from environmental exposure during pregnancy, a combination of genetic and environmental factors, or have an unknown etiology. At present, there is no cure, but there are many different ways and medications for intervention.

The facts:

In Cyprus, approximately 60,000 individuals have some form of rare disease.

Approximately 85% of rare diseases affect less than one person per million or fewer than 500 individuals in the European Union.

Of all rare diseases, 72% have a genetic origin, while 28% are non-genetic.

More than 90% of rare diseases lack an approved treatment.

About 30 million people live with a rare disease in 48 European countries.

4. 75% of rare diseases affect children, with 70% manifesting during childhood.

Approximately 70% of individuals with a rare disease wait about 1 year to receive a confirmed diagnosis.