35 The Mall lights up for Rare Disease Day 

35 The Mall will light up purple this evening, Friday February 28th, to raise awareness about Rare Disease Day, which affects over 300,000 Irish people living with such conditions.

These diseases are often chronic, debilitating, and life-limiting.

Rare Disease Day unites over 70 national partners across 100 countries to raise awareness and drive policy change for the estimated 300 million people living with a rare disease worldwide. 

The campaign ensures that rare diseases remain a global priority, mobilising patient communities, researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders.

Ireland first participated in Rare Disease Day in 2008, and over the years, patient organisations have held public information days and conferences to bring together all patient organisations across the country.