March 15, 2023

IDFA Supports Rare Disease Day

Rare Disease Day is a global observance dedicated to raising public awareness for rare diseases and calling attention to the unique challenges that people living with these conditions, and their families, face. Collectively, the number of people living with a rare disease is equivalent to the population of the third largest country (the USA) in the world – 300 million people. More than 2 million Australians have been diagnosed with a rare disease, a cause that is close to the hearts of many. This is an important day for the Immune Deficiencies Foundation Australia (IDFA) to educate people about the challenges faced by Australians living with immunodeficiencies.

As part of the campaign, IDFA worked with WIN News’ Melissa Russell to read the children’s storybook, ‘Merlin the Little Feline’ and ran a colouring-in competition to raise awareness amongst primary school kids with more than 100 entries in the competition. Another element of their campaign included sharing members’ stories with the community to shed a light on rare diseases including immunodeficiencies. IDFA also partnered with AusPIPs to bring a special, Rare Disease Day webinar ‘COVID-19 and Immunodeficiencies’ to its members.