Rare diseases: a global health priority for equity and inclusion

Download from the WHO Library	The World Health Assembly (WHA) Resolution on Rare Diseases was adopted on 24 May, 2025. Persons Living with a Rare Disease continue to face challenges including delays in diagnosis, limited access to treatments and care, and financial burdens. A WHA Resolution on Rare Diseases will aim to address these challenges through a comprehensive global framework that includes raising awareness, improving diagnosis, enhancing access to care and treatment, and fostering research and development of therapies. The WHA Resolution on Rare Diseases: recognizes rare diseases as a global health priority at the highest level has the potential to improve diagnosis, treatment, care, and support for PLWRD (Persons Living with a Rare Disease) The Resolution requests the WHO to develop a 10-year Global Action Plan on Rare Diseases. A Global Action Plan is a strategic, coordinated framework for addressing global health challenges through collaborative efforts among countries, NGOs and other stakeholders. It sets global targets and goals, outlines the responsibilities of WHO, Member States and partners, and includes indicators and benchmarks for tracking progress. A Global Action Plan ensures accountability, guidance and support, and collaboration.