Brussels, 28/02/2011 (Agence Europe) - Rare diseases cause great suffering to many EU citizens. Up to 36 million Europeans are affected, and need proper diagnosis and treatment. A Eurobarometer survey published on Monday 28 February, on the 4th World Rare Diseases Day, reveals widespread support for action on rare diseases at EU level: 95% of those surveyed believe there should be more European cooperation in this area and that rare disease patients should have the right to access appropriate care in another member state.
European Health Commissioner John Dalli said that it was of the greatest importance that cooperation on rare diseases should be improved as the necessary medical expertise may not be available in every member state. The European Commission “is engaged in added value action to help citizens access the care they need across the EU”, he stated.
Among the key findings of the survey were that: - 63% of respondents chose the correct definition of rare diseases; - 17% of those surveyed know someone suffering from a rare disease; - almost all (96%) agree that national health authorities should give support to those suffering from rare diseases and fully reimburse their medication, even if it is very expensive (93%); - over 90% of respondents agree that allocating resources for research, access to treatment, communication and patient support is justified. Some well known rare diseases are cystic fibrosis, haemophilia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. (L.C./transl.rt)