Unveiling the hidden epidemic: Navigating orphan and rare diseases in healthcare

Orphan and rare diseases, often overlooked, impact a small proportion of the population, presenting unique challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and support. According to the Orphan Drug Act of 1983 in the United States of America, rare diseases impact fewer than 200,000 persons on average, but orphan diseases, according to the European Union (EU), affect fewer than 5 in 10,000 people (1). These illnesses cover a wide range, including genetic problems, some tumours, and autoimmune diseases. It is crucial to treat orphan and rare diseases for the benefit