By Bunmi Yekini
Geneva, 24 May 2025 — In a landmark move at the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly, Member States today adopted the first-ever resolution recognizing rare diseases as a global health priority, a major step toward equitable healthcare for over 300 million people worldwide living with one of more than 7,000 rare conditions.
The resolution calls on countries to incorporate rare diseases into their national health agendas, emphasizing the need for improved diagnosis, access to care under universal health coverage, inclusive policy development, and the promotion of innovation and research. It addresses the profound physical, emotional, and financial burdens borne by patients and families, many of whom face years-long diagnostic journeys and limited treatment options.
Crucially, the resolution mandates the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop a comprehensive 10-year global action plan with measurable targets. This blueprint will guide Member States in advancing access, affordability, and inclusion for individuals affected by rare diseases, the majority of whom are children.
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“This resolution is a powerful statement of solidarity with millions who have long remained invisible within healthcare systems,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “It ensures that rare diseases are no longer ignored, and that all people, no matter how uncommon their condition, are seen, heard, and supported.”
Advocacy groups and public health experts worldwide have praised the resolution, describing it as a long-overdue turning point in global health policy.
With the adoption of this resolution, the global health community moves one step closer to the goal of health for all, ensuring no patient is left behind, regardless of how rare their disease may be.