Supporting Change Across the South West
Welcome to the South West Rare Disease Policy Group. Created at the Plymouth University School of Medicine, we aim to bring all stakeholders from the South West region together to discuss their needs. This, in turn, allows us to develop recommendations on how to improve current policies on rare diseases.
There are more than 7,500 rare diseases, with 80% of those genetic in origin. Rare diseases affect around 30 million people living in Europe and in excess of 4 million people* in the UK.
With rare conditions and genetic disorders impacting so many people, it’s crucial that their voice is heard and their needs are met. Through raising awareness, education initiatives, sharing knowledge and supporting the community, we can help to enact positive and lasting change.
*Based on data extrapolation
What Are Rare Diseases?
In Europe, we classify a disease as being rare when it affects fewer than 5 in 10,000 people within the general population. These diseases are of such a low prevalence that special combined efforts are needed to address them.
In the United States, the Rare Diseases Act of 2002 defines a disease as rare, according to its prevalence. As such, this means that any conditions that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States (or, about 1 in 1,500 people) are considered rare diseases.
In 2013, the UK government published ‘‘The UK Strategy for Rare Diseases’ which “…aims to ensure no one gets left behind just because they have a rare disease…”. This strategy features 51 commitments for diagnosis, care, engagement, and treatment across the UK, which were to be implemented by 2020. In 2021 Strategy 2013 was replaced with new Framework for Rare Diseases. With two phases and four priorites.
Whilst UK wide policies exist, the needs of patients with rare diseases and their families are still poorly addressed on a local level. This is where we come in.
What We Do
We provide information and resources to families and individuals affected by rare diseases, with the aim to help make a real difference in diagnosis, treatment, and research. Bringing together patients, their families, healthcare providers and advocates, we work as a united force to drive policy change by making informed recommendations.
As part of our initiative, we have built a rare disease database, where patients and their families can learn more about a number of conditions and find UK specific resources relevant to those conditions. We have also created a community forum; where those affected by genetic disorders and rare conditions can share their experiences and forge connections with people in similar circumstances. Also this is amazing opportunity to connect with scientists who work at forefront of rare disease research and get first-hand information.
Latest announcements
New Scientific Findings into Rare Diseases
