The Rare Disease Campaign 2026 was officially launched today at the Parliament of Malta under the patronage of Speaker of the House of Representatives Anġlu Farrugia.

Addressing those present, Speaker Farrugia stressed that rare diseases should not be viewed solely through statistics or medical definitions, but as a complex human reality that deeply affects patients, their families, and those who care for them. He underlined the need for a more coordinated and connected response that places the individual at the centre of care, while reducing fragmentation within support and healthcare systems.

The Speaker paid tribute to the work of the National Alliance for Rare Diseases Support Malta, noting that over the years it has built a strong network bringing together the patient voice, family support, professional expertise, and links with European and international networks. He remarked that despite Malta's small size, the country can be highly effective if it remains strategically connected to these wider networks.

In his concluding remarks, Speaker Farrugia reiterated that what is rare in numbers must never be rare in dignity, emphasising that building the right networks is an essential step towards a more just, inclusive and humane future for all those living with rare diseases.

The conference also featured addresses by Opposition Spokesperson for Health Stephen Spiteri, Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela, and Michelle Muscat, Founder and President of the National Alliance for Rare Diseases Support Malta.