Although some diseases are rare, the number of people suffering from them is significant. There are between 6,000 and 8,000 rare diseases affecting a total of 6 to 8% of Belgian people.
Rare diseases in general
- Between 6,000 and 8,000 rare diseases have been identified.
- 80% of rare diseases are genetic.
Rare diseases in Belgium
- It is estimated that 6 to 8% of the population in Belgium is affected by a rare disease (660,000 to 880,000 people affected by rare diseases)
- Each of these rare diseases will affect just one or a few people and a maximum of around 5,000 people.
Rare diseases in Europe
It is estimated that 6 to 8% of the population in Europe is affected by a rare disease (27 million to 36 million people affected by rare diseases).