Press Release: Rare Diseases Day: Survey shows strong public support for European cooperation on rare diseases

Rare diseases cause great suffering to many EU citizens. Up to 36 million Europeans are affected, and need proper diagnosis and treatment. A Eurobarometer survey published today, on the 4th World Rare Diseases Day, and on the day of the formal adoption of the Cross Border Healthcare Directive, reveals widespread support for action on rare diseases at EU level. 95% of respondents believe there should be more European cooperation in this area and that rare disease patients should have the right to access appropriate care in another Member State. Approximately 2 out of every 3 respondents know that rare disease affect a limited number of people and require very specific care. Almost 1 in every 5 personally knows of someone suffering from a rare disease.

EMA: Special topics: Medicines for rare diseases http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/special_topics/general/general_content_000034.jsp&murl=menus/special_topics/special_topics.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058002d4eb

---