The Organization for Rare Diseases India (ORDI), a patient-centered non-profit organization committed to addressing challenges faced by people with rare diseases in India, is hosting 10th edition of its flagship annual awareness run, Racefor7 on February 23 in 21 cities across India at 6.00 am. The theme for this year’s awareness run is “For Rare, everywhere”.
Racefor7 has evolved into a PAN India event, symbolising the 7,000 known rare diseases with over 7,000 participants running 7 kilometers. Since its inception in 2016 in Bengaluru, the initiative has grown significantly, with over 10,000 participants expected to take part across multiple cities in this edition.
Sharing details on the event Prasanna Shirol, Co-founder and Board Director, ORDI, emphasized the importance of continued advocacy for rare diseases and said, “There is an urgent need for greater awareness, better policy implementation, and sustainable funding support systems for rare disease patients in India.”
He further said “Racefor7 has successfully brought together key stakeholders who can drive change. This year, we aim to make an even bigger impact by reaching out to state governments since health being a state subject. There is a dire need for faster implementation of policy and establish sustainable funding for treatment. We are working towards building unified voice through multi stakeholder approach for broader policy direction.”
Shirol further said “Racefor7 2025 aims to drive policy-level impact and enhance access to treatment across the country. Invitations is extended to Health Ministers and key stakeholders from different states to strengthen collaboration and ensure wider participation for the cause. The event seeks strong support from rare disease advocates, healthcare leaders, and advocacy groups, underscoring the critical need for sustained awareness and policy action for rare diseases.
Dr Monica Puri, Chief Country Access & Policy Officer, Roche, said, “The Racefor7 initiative is an incredible platform to raise awareness for rare diseases and support the cause of “leaving no one behind”. This event is not just about running or walking- it’s about showing solidarity with patients and families who battle these conditions every day. At Roche, we are proud to support ORDI’s mission and stand alongside the rare diseases community. Together, we can drive awareness, advocate for better healthcare access, and bring hope to those who need it the most.”
Sharing his views Rahul Kamath, Chief Operating Officer, Roche, the main sponsor to the event, said, “Kudos to ORDI for being the torchbearer towards this awareness drive. We, as Roche, feel privileged to partner with ORDI on this initiative and help create that vision for better care. We recognise that achieving optimal health is highly critical as well as possible from a care giving perspective. It’s time now to square off that therapeutic curve of healing!”
