This symposium will bring international experts on rare diseases together with stakeholders nationally to work towards a rare disease strategy for Australia. We envisage national stakeholders will include health, disability and social service providers, patient support organisations, patient advocates, researchers, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry representatives and government policy makers.
National plans for rare diseases have already been developed in the USA and Europe. These plans will be used as a framework for the symposium. Plenary presentations on key strategic issues will guide symposium participants in collaborative workshop discussions to adapt the issues presented to the Australian context.
This symposium provides a unique opportunity for all stakeholders to shape the future direction of strategic planning for rare diseases in Australia.