Approximately 1 in 12 Canadians, mostly children, are affected by a rare disorder. Patients with rare diseases face many challenges, including misdiagnosis, limited treatment, and difficulty accessing innovative therapies even when they are available. Implementing the Rare Disease Strategy will not necessarily cost Canadians more. Earlier diagnosis and correct treatments can lead to reduced unnecessary surgeries, organ transplants, and visits to multiple specialists, resulting in savings for the health system and taxpayers.
