SHORT TERM VISION
To establish networks and connections with members from various African countries who are interested in establishing an African focused organization, and formulate a founding body. LONG TERM VISION
Assist relative countries in forming their our national bodies which will become members of AARD, and create a formal membership structure. Why the need for an African Alliance for Rare Diseases:
Africa as a continent remains the most vulnerable. Due to global issues such as poverty, hunger and limited financial stability, health issues have a high impact across the continent. The high presence of communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis as well as the presence of Malaria create further access issues for those diagnosed and affected by rare conditions, as funds and resources are limited. Africa remains the continent with the most potential for rapid growth in the treatment of rare conditions. Due to the limited access currently available, many patients remain treatment naive which creates great interest for clinical trials. More than this, there is a far greater opportunity for industry investment due to the area being relatively untapped. Due to issues such as socio-economic development, limited access and limited resources, a united front needs to be adopted by the continent to ensure rare diseases are not left behind.
