“Rare diseases are quite common”

Let’s focus on a topic that is often overlooked but of immense importance: rare diseases. These conditions, though individually rare, collectively affect millions of people worldwide. Their impact is profound, not just on patients, but also on their families, healthcare systems, and our society as a whole. Yet, they remain under-researched and misunderstood and therefore often misdiagnosed, which can lead to receiving the wrong treatment and potentially making the disease even worse.

Carinne Brouillon, former member of the Board of Managing Directors, spoke to two rare disease experts about the significance of these conditions, the challenges they pose, and the urgent need for increased understanding and education.