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rare

research

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RDSA research focuses on key, patient centric issues relevant to the local and global rare disease and congenital disorder communities. Targeted projects provide an evidenced-based foundation for our advocacy work, connect researchers and patients, and highlight the lay expertise of those living with rare diseases and congenital disorders.

the benefits of joining

  • Receiving up to date information on the rare disease and congenital disorder landscape in South Africa, and globally.

  • Support and assistance with medical aid requests.

  • Peer-to-peer support (connect with others HCPs treating conditions that you are working on)

  • Access to educational support (CPD events)

  • Access to latests research and clinical trial news

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  • Helps us improve the data on prevalence and incidence of various rare diseases and congenital disorders,

  • We are able to develop a referral network across HCPs with specific interests

  • We get a better understanding of what our community needs.

how you joining helps us at RDSA

costs for
academic researcher

  1. Registered Healthcare Professionals:

       R525 per annum

  1. Students registered at a relevant academic institution: R157.50 per annum

register today as a
academic researcher and help us strengthen the rare community 

Personal & Institutional Details

Multi-line address

Research Focus

Which type(s) of research best describe your work? (Select all that apply)
What stage(s) of the research process are you involved in?
Do you collaborate with any clinical sites or hospitals?
Yes
No
Are you currently supervising postgraduate students working on rare diseases?
Yes
No
Not currently but open to it

Are you currently supervising postgraduate students working on rare diseases?

How would you like to engage with RDSA? (Select all that apply)
Would you like to be listed on RDSA’s Researcher Directory to promote collaboration and visibility?
Yes (public listing with basic info)
Internal use only
Would you be interested in joining or co-chairing an RDSA-led Working Group? (Select all that apply)

Research Outputs & Partnerships

Are you currently part of any national or international rare disease networks or consortia?
Yes
No
Do you currently collaborate with patient groups or advocacy organisations?
Yes
No
Would you be open to mentoring emerging researchers or patient advocates?
Yes
No
Possibly in future
How is your research currently funded? (Select all that apply)
Would you be interested in RDSA’s assistance in identifying funding opportunities or research partners?
Yes
No
Membership Options
Would you consider making a once-off or recurring donation to support RDSA’s research and data initiatives?
Yes, once off
Yes, re-occuring
No, unfortunately I am unable to donate

Consent

upcoming events

Upcoming Events

  • Bone Marrow Stem Cell Donation Awareness Month
    Bone Marrow Stem Cell Donation Awareness Month
    01 Aug 2026, 00:00 – 31 Aug 2026, 23:50
    01 Aug 2026, 00:00 – 31 Aug 2026, 23:50
    Online Platforms
    Bone marrow and stem cell donation awareness days are crucial for increasing the number of potential donors and ensuring that patients in need of transplants receive the life-saving treatment they require.
  • Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month
    Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month
    01 Aug 2026, 00:00 – 31 Aug 2026, 23:50
    01 Aug 2026, 00:00 – 31 Aug 2026, 23:50
    Online Platforms
    Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month is to raise awareness of the condition caused by the deficiency of a motor neuron protein called SMN and other rare forms of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) that stem from chromosome mutations.
  • Gastroparesis Awareness Month
    Gastroparesis Awareness Month
    01 Aug 2026, 00:00 – 31 Aug 2026, 23:50
    Online Platforms
    01 Aug 2026, 00:00 – 31 Aug 2026, 23:50
    Online Platforms
    Gastroparesis Awareness Month, focuses attention on important health messages about gastroparesis diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life issues. The goals include improving understanding of gastroparesis to help patients and families.
  • Auto-inflammatory Awareness Month
    Auto-inflammatory Awareness Month
    01 Aug 2026, 00:00 – 31 Aug 2026, 23:50
    01 Aug 2026, 00:00 – 31 Aug 2026, 23:50
    Online Platforms
    Autoinflammatory diseases are rare diseases that are often caused by genetic mutations that affect the innate immune system. Most of these diseases affect patients throughout their entire life, but a few may have onset in adulthood.
  • RDSA 2026 Family Fun Day_JHB
    RDSA 2026 Family Fun Day_JHB
    24 Sept 2026, 12:00 – 16:00
    51 Donovan St, 51 Donovan St, Glen Austin AH, Midrand, 1685, South Africa
    24 Sept 2026, 12:00 – 16:00
    51 Donovan St, 51 Donovan St, Glen Austin AH, Midrand, 1685, South Africa
    Join us for a fun-filled Family Day where families, friends, and community members come together to connect, relax, and create lasting memories. Here you will enjoy games, outdoor activities, quality family time, and the opportunity to build meaningful connections.
  • National Polio Eradication Week
    National Polio Eradication Week
    29 Apr 2027, 00:00 – 05 May 2027, 23:50
    Online Platforms
    29 Apr 2027, 00:00 – 05 May 2027, 23:50
    Online Platforms
    National Polio Eradication Week is a significant campaign in South Africa aimed at raising awareness about immunisation and the prevention of polio.
looking for disease-related information? check out our 
Rare Research Hub
looking for disease-specific testing? check out our 
Lab Hub
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Physical Address

Kingfisher House, 39A Kingfisher Road, Fourways 2191 Johannesburg,

South Africa

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NPO: 120-991 

NPC: 2016/071131/08 

PBO: 930060119

©2025  Rare Diseases South Africa NPC

Rights reserved

RDSA Privacy Policy 

Rare Diseases South Africa

NPO 120-991

Kingfisher House, 39A Kingfisher Road, Fourways, 2191, South Africa 

(“the Organisation”)

 

MANUAL PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 51 OF THE PROMOTION OF ACCESS TO INFORMATION ACT NO. 2 OF 2000

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