Rare Diseases International

Thank you, Honorable Chair and esteemed delegates.

Rare Diseases International commends the 29 Member States for their leadership in supporting the Resolution “Rare diseases: a global health priority for equity and inclusion”, and thanks the WHO Executive Board for recommending its adoption.

This Resolution presents a historic opportunity to integrate rare diseases into national health systems, ensuring visibility, care, and protection for over 300 million persons living with a rare disease and their families.

RDI, alongside the Coalition for the Resolution on Rare Diseases—representing 275 civil society organizations globally—urges Member States to adopt this Resolution and allocate the necessary resources for its implementation.

The rare disease community stands ready to actively contribute to the development and implementation of the Global Action Plan.

Addressing rare diseases is not only a public health priority; it is a matter of equity and human rights. By adopting this Resolution, we move closer to Universal Health Coverage for all.

Thank you.