The National Strategic Action Plan for Rare Diseases

Australian academics first called for a national plan for rare diseases in 2010, so it is with great excitement that the National Strategic Action Plan for Rare Diseases (the Action Plan) was launched in 2020. 

Rare Voices Australia (RVA) has led the collaborative development of the Action Plan. After extensive consultation with stakeholders around the country, the Action Plan has been developed by the rare disease sector, for the rare disease sector! 

Read the Action Plan

Read the 2023 Status Report


AWARENESS
& EDUCATION 


CARE &
SUPPORT 


RESEARCH
& DATA

For all media requests or enquiries about the Action Plan, please email: [email protected]


A Timeline
2010

Australian academics first call for the development of a national rare disease framework.

2011

‘Awakening Australia to Rare Diseases’ international symposium with over 200 delegates in Fremantle, Western Australia (WA).

2012

RVA is founded in response to the international symposium. Developing a national rare disease framework is its primary strategic objective. RVA begins organising Parliamentary Events annually to enable politicians to gain a better understanding and awareness about rare diseases.

2014

RVA undertakes a roadshow to progress a national plan for rare diseases. Roundtable discussions are held with key stakeholders in Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and WA.

2015

Key findings on the principles and objectives to progress a national plan are presented at the inaugural National Rare Disease Summit. The collaborative outcome of the Summit is a Communiqué to progress a National Rare Disease Plan.

2017

The themes of the Communiqué are further developed into the key advocacy and policy document, Call for a National Rare Disease Framework: 6 Strategic Priorities.

2018

The Australian Government Department of Health engages RVA to lead the collaborative development of the Action Plan.

A Steering Committee consisting of cross-sector representation is established and guides the development of the Action Plan.

2018 – 2019

A national stakeholder consultation process is undertaken, which involves all stakeholders in the rare disease sector. This ensures the Action Plan is collaborative, representative and holistic.

2020 + Beyond

The Australian Government launches the first nationally coordinated policy approach to address rare diseases in Australia. Implementation efforts begin.


RVA continues leading the collaborative implementation of the Action Plan.


Partner with RVA

RVA partners with key stakeholders in a variety of ways. Whether you are leading a rare disease support organisation that is looking to become an RVA Partner, or are a researcher looking to partner with RVA on your latest project, we’re open to hearing from you.

Our Partners