NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR RARE DISEASES SUPPORT – MALTA » Launch of the Rare Diseases Campaign

Launch of the Rare Diseases Campaign 2025

The National Alliance for Rare Diseases Support – Malta has launched the 2026 Nationwide Rare Diseases Campaign.

The launch was held at the Parliament Foyer under the auspices of the Speaker of the House, Dr Angelo Farrugia.

Speaking during the launch, the President of The National Alliance for Rare Diseases Support – Malta, Michelle Muscat said aince 2014, when rare diseases were barely visible in national policy, our movement has grown into a unified national voice.built through patient advocacy, European and international collaboration, and relentless commitment to those living years without diagnosis, treatment, or clear pathways of care.

From the launch of the National Directory for Rare Diseases to ongoing one-to-one patient support, from European partnerships with EURORDIS @eurordis to global advocacy through the UN ECOSOC Committee for Rare Diseases, one principle has guided us: rarity should never mean invisibility @rarediseasesinternational

We acknowledge recent government proposals but now is the moment to move forward with:

• Sustainable support for patient organisations

• Formal recognition of Rare Diseases Malta as the national hub

• A structured partnership with the Ministry of Health aligned with European best practice

As we heard powerfully today from patient and healthcare professional Nataliya Gaffiero, access, diagnosis, and community can change lives.

With genuine partnership and action, Malta can ensure that no person living with a rare disease is left unheard, unseen, or unsupported.

Minister for Health, Jo Etienne Abela, affirmed that the government is committed to simplifying care processes and advancing research. He stressed the need for more global investment in rare disease research.

Ian Vassalo, the Shadow Minister for Mental Health, noted the increasing prevalence of such illnesses and called for more treatments to be added to the national formulary to address these conditions.

The Speaker of Parliament, Anglu Farrugia, praised the work of the Alliance, describing it as a model for anyone striving to build a just society.

Launch of the Rare Diseases Campaign – 29 January 2026

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