RDI WHA 79 SIDE EVENT

About the Event

This side event builds on the landmark WHA Resolution “Rare Diseases: a global health priority for equity and inclusion” adopted at the 78th WHA, which recognized rare diseases as a global health priority, and called for the development of a 10-Year Global Action Plan on Rare Diseases (GAPRD). As we move toward implementation of these commitments, it is important to reflect on the transversality of rare diseases and the importance of developing people-centered health systems.

Rare diseases expose the stress points of health systems: delayed diagnosis, fragmented care, unaffordable innovation, weak data, and inequitable access. When health systems are designed to meet the needs of people living with rare diseases (PLWRD), they must become more precise, more integrated, more person-centred, and more equitable.

This side-event positions rare diseases not as a niche issue, but as a test case and accelerator for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and broader global health priorities. The central message is simple and powerful: Health systems that can deliver for rare diseases are health systems that can deliver for everyone.

Download the Agenda and Concept Note – coming soon

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