Orphan diseases, also known as rare diseases, are medical conditions that affect a small percentage of the population. In many countries, a disease is classified as orphan if it affects fewer than 200,000 people. Due to their rarity, these diseases often receive less attention and funding for research and treatment compared to more common conditions.
Patients with orphan diseases may face challenges in diagnosis and access to effective therapies. Many of these conditions are genetic, and some may not have any approved treatments. Organizations and initiatives, such as the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), work to raise awareness and support research for these neglected diseases.