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Putting Rare Diseases Centre Stage: Patients’ Commissioner and Eva Luise and Horst Köhler Foundation set the Tone for this years’ Rare Disease Day

On the occasion of the International Day of Rare Diseases on 28 February 2025, the German Federal Government Commissioner for Patients' Affairs, Stefan Schwartze, MdB, and the Eva Luise and Horst Köhler Foundation draw attention to the concerns and special challenges of people with rare diseases. Their common goal is to raise political and social awareness of rare diseases and to initiate concrete improvements in care.

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People with Rare Diseases need faster Diagnoses and better Treatment Options

Around four million people in Germany are living with a rare disease, but they and their families often face major hurdles: long diagnosis paths, inadequate treatment options and a lack of social recognition make everyday life difficult. “It is our task to strengthen the voice of those affected and to advocate for fairer care,” says patient representative Stefan Schwartze. Diagnoses must be made faster, innovative therapies must be made more accessible and the special needs of patients must be taken into account. Rare diseases must not be overshadowed by public attention – the lives and health of millions of people are at stake.

More Research, better Networking, targeted Support

The Eva Luise and Horst Köhler Foundation has been working for people with rare diseases for almost twenty years. Together we can achieve a lot,” says Prof. Dr. Annette Grüters-Kieslich, Chairwoman of the Foundation. “We urgently need more research, better networking and targeted support for patients and their families. People don’t have time to wait!”

Start of a Training Series on Rare Diseases

An important step towards better medical care is the launch of a new CME training series for medical professionals on 28 February 2025. The training, initiated by the Eva Luise and Horst Köhler Foundation, is aimed in particular at general practitioners and paediatricians. Practical webinars will provide up-to-date expertise, illustrative case studies and networking opportunities. Further information (German) is available at: https://elhks.de/cme-fortbildung-seltene-erkrankungen-auftakt/

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