Rare Disease Day 28/2

Continue to make effort after effort to treat rare diseases for over 25 years, this is an annual event in which Sanofi has joined hands in raising the public’s awareness of rare diseases and their impacts on the lives of patients and families.

Hanoi, February 26, 2022, Sanofi Vietnam coordinated with Vietnam National Children’s Hospital to organize an event to celebrate Rare Disease Day 28/2.

Nowadays, rare diseases are rising community health priorities all over the world, with 7000 known rare diseases, and the lives of 300 million people have been affected. According to World Health Organization (WHO), there are 100 rare diseases in Vietnam, and 1 out of 15 people is a rare disease patient, equivalent to 6 million rare disease patients in Vietnam. Because of their rarity, many rare disease patients are not correctly diagnosed for years, even spending up to 10 years waiting for an accurate diagnosis. The delay in diagnosis leads to incorrect treatments, worsen the disease, and can be physically, mentally, and financially draining, eventually leaving those living with rare diseases feeling hopeless and forgotten.

Being one of the pioneers in supporting rare disease patient communities from all over the world, Sanofi Vietnam has been a helpful companion of the Vietnamese rare disease community through activities such as updating professional knowledge for healthcare professionals; supporting enzyme activity test diagnosis and genetic sequence analysis; supporting patients to have access to enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) through humanitarian programs providing free medicines for patients since 1997. Over 25 past years, the program has supported 9 Gaucher patients, 62 Pompe patients, 13 MPSII patients, and 5 MPSI patients.

Mr. Emin Turan –Country Lead of Sanofi Vietnam shared: “Sanofi has been developing a platform supporting the rare disease community based on 4 main pillars: Motivate a diagnosis process with more speed and accuracy; Constantly motivate innovative pharmaceutical products in treatments and improve patients’ lives; Base on our trade capacity and global network to increase the accessibility of innovative healthcare solutions all over the world; And contribute to raising public’s awareness of rare diseases.”

Joining hands to support from society will lighten up patients’ hope, reduce physical pain and boost their mentality to fight rare diseases.