Thank you, Honorable Chair and esteemed delegates.

We welcome the report and stress that universal health coverage must fully include the over 300 million people living with a rare disease. The adoption of Resolution WHA78.11 made rare diseases a global health priority, yet many people living with a rare disease continue to face delayed diagnosis, high out-of-pocket costs, and limited access to essential medicines and services, leaving them behind in UHC efforts.

We look forward to working with the WHO on developing the Global Action Plan for Rare Diseases, which is essential to address these global challenges.

Rare Diseases International urges Member States to continue to embed rare diseases within UHC benefit packages and strengthen health systems to address their complex needs across the life course. The rare disease community stands ready to support WHO and Member States in these initiatives.

We thank delegates for their leadership on this important issue.