Kuwait city: The Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly has adopted a draft resolution aimed at tackling the specific challenges faced by individuals living with rare diseases and their families. The resolution was proposed by Kuwait, Qatar, Brazil, and Spain.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Ambassador Tareq Al-Bannai, the Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations, praised the adoption of the draft resolution, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the rarity of a disease does not dictate a person's future or opportunities. Al-Bannai highlighted that the new resolution sets forth commitments to promote inclusion, equity, and support for families and individuals living with rare diseases worldwide.
It is estimated that over 300 million people globally are affected by rare diseases, often enduring extended periods before receiving an accurate diagnosis or appropriate healthcare. The resolution calls for the strengthening of national health systems, the expansion of universal health coverage, and the improvement of access to early diagnosis, inclusive education, and decent work. It also advocates for increased support for research and innovation in the field of rare diseases.
Additionally, Al-Bannai expressed support for the recent decision by the World Health Organization to develop a 10-year global action plan for rare diseases, viewing it as a crucial step in coordinating international efforts in this area. He urged the international community to advance from merely recognizing the challenges faced by individuals with rare health conditions to actively committing to their support.