Rare Disease Day

About Rare Disease Day

How long until Rare Disease Day?
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Dates of Rare Disease Day
2026 USA Saturday, February 28thRare Disease Day 2025 USA Friday, February 28thRare Disease Day 2024 USA Thursday, February 29thRare Disease Day 2023 USA Tuesday, February 28thRare Disease Day 2022 USA Monday, February 28thRare Disease Day
Summary
Over 300 million people around the world are living with a rare disease.
Rare Disease Day in other countries
Rare Disease Day internationally

February 28th marks World Rare Disease Day— a day most people don’t know about, according to National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).

In the United States, a rare disease is defined as a condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people. There are several conditions classified as "rare diseases." 

Rare Disease Day is a global celebration to raise awareness among the public and decision-makers about the challenges faced by the over 25 million Americans and nearly 300 million people globally impacted by rare diseases, as well as all those still without a diagnosis. The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is the official US sponsor of Rare Disease Day.

Rare Disease Day takes place on the last day of February each year. The main objective of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness amongst the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their impact on patients' lives.

Rare Disease Day was first celebrated in 2009 in the United States

The campaign targets primarily the general public and also seeks to raise awareness amongst policy makers, public authorities, industry representatives, researchers, health professionals and anyone who has a genuine interest in rare diseases.

With each passing year, February 28 has continued to grow into an essential celebration to engage the rare community, elevate the stories of patients and families, and drive donations, the creation of new critical resources and innovative research in the rare disease space.

Find out more Explore more Medical holidays All events on February 28th 2026