Rare diseases affect millions of people globally and are often complex, involving multiple organ groups and resulting in disabilities and premature death. Many people living with a rare disease frequently experience diagnostic delays, fragmented care, limited access to effective interventions, financial hardship, stigma and social exclusion.

World Health Assembly resolution WHA78.11 (2025) Rare diseases: a global health priority for equity and inclusion requests the Director-General to develop, in consultation with Member States and relevant stakeholders, a comprehensive 10-year global action plan on rare diseases with strategic objectives, global targets and an accountability and monitoring framework for consideration by the Eighty-first World Health Assembly in 2028.