NATIONAL RARE DISEASE WEEK 2026
Message of the NCDA Director
The National Council on Disability Affairs supports the 17th National Rare Disease Week, which is celebrated in the last week of February each year. This year’s theme is “More Than You Can lmagine,” highlights the complex experiences of patients and their families, focusing on their struggles and resilience. The theme emphasizes the need for better support and understanding to promote inclusivity in society.
Living with a rare disease can cause serious financial issues due to the high costs of specialized medications, often imported from other countries. This strain is made worse by disabilities from the diseases, which can prevent patients and their caregivers from working full-time. The Council highlights the need for strong social support systems, including accessible health insurance, subsidized equipment, and inclusive job programs. This situation creates significant challenges that may be hard to understand without personal experience. There is a call for improved access to medicines and benefits for people with rare conditions.
The celebration encourages society to envision a future where genetic therapies and personalized medicine are widespread, calling for systems to support those with rare medical issues. The National Rare Disease Week celebration brings hope for better treatments and emphasizes the potential of advanced therapies to manage serious conditions. To make these advancements possible, we need to boost research funding, simplify regulations for orphan drugs, and enhance support systems for those facing rare medical challenges.
NCDA will continue to work with Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders, lnc. and other government and non-government organizations to provide inclusive policies, programs and services for people with rare diseases.
Happy National Rare Disease Week!
GLENDA D. RELOVA
Executive Director
National Council on Disability Affairs