A-Z List of Rare Diseases in Humans

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2020/06/09 - Updated: 2022/09/11
Topic: Disability and Health Lists - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Information includes a list of rare diseases and the definition of the term orphan disease, which is sometimes used as a synonym for rare disease. The European Union (EU) defines rare diseases as conditions that affect less than 1 in 2,000 people, but many are much rarer.

Introduction

Defining Rare Diseases

The term orphan disease is sometimes used as a synonym for rare disease. Most genetic disorders are rare diseases, but not all rare diseases are caused by genetic factors. There are approximately 7,000 rare diseases (RD). Rare diseases include, some very rare infectious diseases, rare forms of autoimmune disorders, and rare cancers. Global Genes estimates over 300 million people worldwide are living with a rare disease. On average 1 in 17 people will be affected by a rare disease at some point during their lives.

Main Item

There is no single, widely accepted definition for rare diseases. Some definitions are based on the number of people living with a disease, and other definitions include factors, such as existence of adequate treatment(s) or the severity of the disease. Rare disease definitions used in medical literature and by national health plans are divided, with definitions ranging from 1 in 1,000 people to 1 in 200,000 people.

Continued below image.
The symbol for rare disease awareness is a zebra-striped ribbon.
The symbol for rare disease awareness is a zebra-striped ribbon.
Continued...

Rare Disease Awareness Day is held globally on February 29 - February 28 on non-leap years. The awareness day was originally started by the European Organization for Rare Diseases and is now recognized globally. The rare disease awareness ribbon is a zebra-striped ribbon.

Incomplete List of Rare Diseases

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, .

Explore Similar Topics

: List of the 30 basic human rights according to Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by United Nations (UN) signed in Paris on 10 December 1948.

: This list contains conditions and explanations of currently recognized mental disorders as defined by the DSM and ICD.

Citing and References

Founded in 2004, Disabled World (DW) is a leading resource on disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility, supporting the disability community. Learn more on our About Us page.

Cite This Page: Disabled World. (2020, June 9 - Last revised: 2022, September 11). A-Z List of Rare Diseases in Humans. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved April 29, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/definitions/lists/rare-disease.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/definitions/lists/rare-disease.php">A-Z List of Rare Diseases in Humans</a>: Information includes a list of rare diseases and the definition of the term orphan disease, which is sometimes used as a synonym for rare disease.

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it's important to note that our content is for general informational purposes only. We always recommend consulting qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.