The City Council of Jerez, represented by mayor María José García-Pelayo, has inaugurated the III Science Encounter of Jerez, held at La Atalaya under the theme ‘Rare or Ignored Diseases? Time to Know and Treat Them’. The event, spanning two days, is supported by the Unidos por Santiago Association and has the Honorary Presidency of Her Majesty Queen Letizia.
This encounter expands its format to include a Mini Science Encounter with activities for children. Mayor García-Pelayo highlighted the significant mobilization in Jerez regarding rare diseases and the necessity of creating alliances between the City Council, the Provincial Council, the Regional Government of Andalusia, and the University of Cadiz (UCA) to support families and researchers.
Mercedes Narbona Rodríguez, president of the Unidos por Santiago Association, emphasized the leading role of families and the hope provided by researchers and professionals. Provincial Councilor for Social Services, Paula Conesa, reaffirmed the Provincial Council's commitment, marking three years of collaboration. The rector of the UCA, Casimiro Mantell Serrano, stressed the need for funding for rare disease research.
The inaugural day featured presentations on the current situation of rare diseases in Spain, the care plan in Andalusia, the meaning of hope, and psychological management. Subsequently, a round table discussion with families from Jerez took place, and the performance of illusionist “Chenone” was announced.
The encounter concluded with the reading of the Declaration of Jerez on Rare Diseases, a manifesto aiming to project a unified message of knowledge, visibility, and continuous support. Tomorrow, over 250 students will participate in the ‘Sowing Vocations’ session.
