Rome, 7 September 2024 – Today is World Duchenne Awareness Day 2024! With this year’s theme ‘Raise your voice for Duchenne’ we call on everyone to use your voice to raise awareness for people living with dystrophinopathies.
Recognition and blessings
This year marks an important milestone as the United Nations have officially designated September 7th as World Duchenne Awareness Day, to be observed annually from 2024 onward. This is the UN’s first formal recognition of a day dedicated to a rare disease. This emphasizes the global need for awareness and support for individuals living with dystrophinopathies, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
Secondly, the European Parliament, under the patronage of President Roberta Metsola, has officially endorsed World Duchenne Awareness Day 2024. This underscores the importance of European solidarity and commitment to the rights, care, and inclusion of those affected by DMD. Additionally, Pope Francis has once again given his blessing for this day. He supports the global call for compassion, understanding, and advocacy for people living with rare diseases.
WDAD 2024 documentary
The World Duchenne Organization is launching an official documentary directed by Nicoletta Madia and produced by Arim Communication. This documentary brings to light the powerful stories of three individuals from Italy, Spain, and Brazil, each living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Through their experiences, the documentary highlights the themes of care, independence, support, inclusion, and education, showcasing the strength and resilience of those living with DMD.
Raise your voice for Duchenne
We urge everyone to watch and share this documentary widely to amplify these voices and raise global awareness about DMD. Together, we can create a world where people with Duchenne can live fully and in accordance with the rights they have.
Contact: World Duchenne Organization
About World Duchenne Awareness Day
World Duchenne Awareness Day (WDAD) raises global awareness about Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD and BMD). It takes place each year on September 7. The day promotes action through events and landmark lighting in red to support those affected. Established in 2013, WDAD raises awareness to improve the lives of the over 250,000 people worldwide living with these rare genetic disorders.
