There are over 7,000 identified rare conditions, some so rare they only affect a few people. Collectively however, they are common, affecting 3.5 million people in the UK at some point in their lives, that is one in 17 people.
But beyond these statistics are the real lives; the children, the men, the women living with these rare conditions day to day. And we want to tell those stories. In the programme we will meet people affected by rare conditions and their families, health professionals and thought leaders, all to help raise awareness of the realities of living with a rare condition and showcase the work being done to help improve data sharing, diagnosis and treatments.
Launching on Rare Disease Day, 29 February 2024 – ITN Business and Genetic Alliance UK are co-producing ‘Rare Conditions: The Stories Behind the Stats’, a news-style programme raising awareness of people affected by rare, genetic, and undiagnosed conditions.
Anchored by Royal Television Society award winning journalist and presenter Warren Nettleford, the programme will feature informative interviews with community stakeholders, news items and sponsored editorial profiles, filmed both at the ITN London studio and on location. The programme will launch on 29 February 2024 to mark Rare Disease Day and will be supported by an extensive strategic digital marketing campaign, identified by hashtag #StoriesBehindTheStats
Louise Fish, CEO of Genetic Alliance UK said: ‘Although rare diseases are individually rare they are collectively common, affecting 3.5 million people in the UK. It is currently estimated that there are over 7,000 rare diseases, with new conditions regularly identified through scientific progress. Many rare diseases are life-long and complex which means that people can be diagnosed at any age, and under the care of a wide range of medical specialities. NHS data is fragmented and poorly coded making it hard to collect information about how many people have a particular condition and how they are currently being supported by the health service. However, the facts and figures we have been able to find paint a vivid picture of the broad and diverse community of people affected by rare conditions in the UK. Some rare conditions can affect over 25,000 people in the UK, the rarest genetic conditions may affect just one family in the country. Every individual living with a rare condition has a story to tell about how it affects them day-to-day, and the vital support they need to live their life to the fullest.’
Nina Harrison-Bell, Head of ITN Business said: ‘We are delighted to be collaborating with Genetic Alliance for the third consecutive year. Rare conditions by their nature affect fewer people than more common conditions, so don’t always get the attention they deserve, but these stories are important, and we are looking forward to being able to tell them.’
If your organisation has a story to tell, or if you want to hear more about the project, please contact Head of Healthcare Programming, Georgia Gerstein at Georgia.Gerstein@itn.co.uk
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Genetic Alliance UK is an alliance of over 230 charities and support groups working together to improve the lives of 3.5 million people in the UK affected by genetic and rare conditions. Our members and the people they support are at the heart of everything we do. For more information visit: geneticalliance.org.uk
One of Genetic Alliance UK’s longest running projects is Rare Disease UK which coordinates Rare Disease Day in the UK. Rare Disease UK is the national campaign, for people with rare conditions and all who support them. Rare Disease UK is focussed on ensuring the new UK Rare Diseases Framework is as successful as possible, and that people and families affected by rare conditions have access to a final diagnosis, coordinated care and specialist care and treatment. For more information visit: raredisease.org.uk
Building on its decades of experience in B2B and corporate communications, ITN Business works with organisations, businesses, and brands to create a deeper, more authentic connection with their people, customers, partners, investors, or the wider world. Industry News is our broadcast news-style programming and bespoke digital campaigns for sectors, charities, and industries, sharing stories of innovation, best practice and thought leadership, to connect with the audiences that matter to our clients, and to ensure longer-term impact. For more information visit: business.itn.co.uk
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