Rare diseases affect over 400 million people worldwide. Many remain undiagnosed due to limited awareness and medical expertise, as rare diseases are often unrecognized by healthcare professionals, leading to misdiagnosis, delayed care, and uncertainty for families. With over 85% of rare diseases being genetic, most rare conditions appear in childhood, making early diagnosis and intervention essential.

Globally, less than 5% of rare diseases have approved drug therapies, and in Zimbabwe, even when treatments exist, they are often unavailable or unaffordable. The Genetic Clinic coordinated by Rare Disorders Zimbabwe (RDZ) is the only access point for genetic testing in the country, leaving most families without diagnostic options.

Despite these challenges, progress is being made—more diagnoses are occurring, particularly for conditions like sickle cell anemia, muscular dystrophies, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

Zimbabwe is part of a global community, and by improving awareness, expanding healthcare access, and reducing stigma, we can ensure that no one faces a rare or undiagnosed condition alone.