World Duchenne Awareness Day Observed Every Year on September 7

Key facts

• World Duchenne Awareness Day is observed every year on 7 September and was designated as a United Nations Day by the UN General Assembly, to be observed annually beginning in 2024.
• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a rare progressive genetic disorder caused by a mutation on the X-chromosome, mainly affecting males, and is named after Dr Duchenne de Boulogne, who first reported the disease in detail in the 1860s.
• People with DMD lack the muscle-protecting protein dystrophin due to a fault in the gene producing it, leading to progressive muscle weakness affecting breathing and heart function.
• One in 5000 newborn boys worldwide is affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy; with current standards of care, patients can live into their early 30s, and there is currently no cure.
• The theme of this year's World Duchenne Awareness Day is 'Family: the heart of care', highlighting the role of family members for people living with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy.