DOCTORS are set to become more familiar with rare diseases under a new national plan aimed at improving life for about two million people living with such conditions.
Health Minister Greg Hunt is launching the nation’s first strategic action plan for rare diseases on Wednesday, to help speed up diagnosis and improve treatment of the illnesses.
The plan was created by Rare Voices Australia, which will also be given up to $3.3 million by the government over three years to make it happen.
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READ NOWThis will include activities to improve knowledge and awareness of rare diseases among medical professionals.
Rare diseases affect less than five in every 10,000 people, but there are more than 7000 of them.
About 80 per cent of rare diseases are genetic, with other varieties including rare cancers, infections and autoimmune disorders.
Mr Hunt said they are having a major impact on on individuals and their families.
“They cause great uncertainty, frustration and fear, raising a myriad of questions, with few answers,” he said.
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