Rare Disease Day is marked on the last day of February annually. In 2026, Rare Disease Day falls on Saturday 28 February.
Rare Disease Day is the globally coordinated movement for rare diseases, working towards equity in social opportunity, healthcare, and access to diagnosis for people living with a rare disease. Rare Voices Australia (RVA) is on the Steering Committee for Rare Disease Day, which focuses on longer term campaign strategy planning. The 2026 promotion materials and the latest updates are available via the official Rare Disease Day website.
Globally, 300 million people worldwide live with a rare disease. Locally, Rare Disease Day is an opportunity to raise awareness and inform policymakers about the issues faced by the Australian rare disease community, with the aim to achieve the best outcomes for Australians living with a rare disease.
Landmark Illuminations in Australia
To show support for the global rare disease community, landmarks around the world illuminate to mark Rare Disease Day annually. In Australia, landmark illuminations are coordinated by passionate volunteers with support from RVA as needed.
Download the current list of Australian landmarks that will be illuminating for 2026 Rare Disease Day that RVA is aware of. *Note: Please note that the dates listed may vary and are subject to change.
We encourage you to send any photos of landmark illuminations and Rare Disease Day events to RVA for sharing on social media via email: [email protected]. Alternatively, you can tag RVA on social media.
We thank all volunteers for their effort in organising landmark illuminations for 2026 Rare Disease Day.
