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<p>There are between 5,000 and 8,000 rare diseases. Each one affects less than 0.1%
of the United Kingdom’s population, but together affect the lives of 3 million people
making considerable demands on the resources and capacity of the National Health Service
and other care services.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>In 2013, the Department published
the UK Strategy for Rare Diseases. This is a high-level framework committed to raising
awareness about all rare diseases and sets out a strategic vision for improving the
lives of all those affected with rare disease. A copy of the Strategy is attached.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The Department also recently collaborated with Health Education
England and others to produce two videos about rare diseases, one focusing on healthcare
professionals, particularly general practitioners, as the first point of NHS contact,
the other providing information for patients and parents about rare diseases. These
videos can be viewed on Health Education England’s website at:</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>
</p><p><a href="http://www.genomicseducation.hee.nhs.uk/rare-disease-and-the-potential-of-genomics/"
target="_blank">http://www.genomicseducation.hee.nhs.uk/rare-disease-and-the-potential-of-genomics/</a></p><p>
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