On the Eraly Breakfast Show Relebogile spoke to CEO and founder of RDSA, Kelly du Plessis about Rare Diseases launching its annual Rare Disease Day on 28 February 2018 alongside Sanofi Genzyme.
This year’s theme is ‘research’ and the intention is to encourage the local community to ‘know your genealogy’ and ‘research your family tree’.
Rare diseases include those of genetic origin, and are life threatening or chronically debilitating disorders which are of such low prevalence that special combined efforts are needed to address them.
In South Africa, where lack of medical infrastructure, research and support is a challenge, the aim of Rare Disease Day is to advocate timely and accurate diagnosis and intervention, improve research efforts, as well as early detection of rare diseases, thereby enhancing patients' quality of life through correct medical treatment.
Rare Disease Day will allow supporters to get involved and ensure that clinics and therapies are developed; that support-groups are properly structured and funded and that people suffering from these diseases aren’t left on the fringes of society.
You can pledge your support by heading to the following link www.rarediseases.co.za and offering donations, applying to become a volunteer or activist and by sharing your will to help across social media platforms with the hashtag #RareDiseaseDay.