PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.18 No.35, September 04, 2025 Article TypeOriginal ArticleQuickStatsSurveillance Report

• Original Article 2025-09-04

  0 136 78

  Analysis of the Incidence and Trends of Rare Diseases in the Republic of Korea in 2022

  Il-Su Park , Kyounga Lee , Tae-Hyeon Lee , Jee-Young Kim , Ji-Hwan Sung , Kyoung-Hwa Choi

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(35): 1320-1340 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.35.2

  

  

  Abstract

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  Objectives: The study aim was to analyze the incidence and trends of rare diseases in the Republic of Korea and identify key implications based on demographic and socioeconomic differences.
  Methods: Using data from the “Annual Report on Rare Disease Patients in Korea,” we retrospectively analyzed the number of newly registered patients with rare diseases, number of deaths, and healthcare expenditures within 12 months of registration.
  Results: In 2022, 54,952 new rare disease cases were reported, maintaining an annual level in the mid-50,000s since 2019. The number of deaths among incident cases within the same year was 1,902 in 2022. The distribution of frequently occurring rare diseases varied according to sex and age. The average medical expense per patient within 12 months of registration was KRW 6.39 million. Medical Aid beneficiaries incurred 20% higher costs (KRW 7.60 million) than those of National Health Insurance subscribers (KRW 6.31 million). Based on the per-capita benefit cost, Medical Aid beneficiaries had 32.7% higher costs than those of National Health Insurance subscribers.
  Conclusions: These findings suggest that rare disease incidence and care varied according to demographic and socioeconomic factors. To enhance future rare disease policies and surveillance, the development of multidimensional indicators that incorporate disease burden and life course perspectives is warranted.

• Surveillance Report 2025-09-04

  0 86 23

  Health Impact Assessment of Local Governments’ Climate Change Adaptation Plans: A Case Study

  Eunjeong Kang , Minah Baek , Soon-Ryu Seo , Jin-Sook Kim , Sun-Jin Nho

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(35): 1301-1319 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.35.1

  

  

  Abstract

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  Objectives: This study describes the methodology and evaluation outcomes of a health impact assessment (HIA) pilot project conducted for the health sector under the second phase of the climate change adaptation plan implemented in Siheung City, Gyeonggi-do, and Eunpyeong District, Seoul.
  Methods: Based on a literature review and expert consultation, 45 evaluation items were identified for inclusion in the climate change HIA. Thereafter, a rapid HIA was conducted to assess the health-sector projects within the framework of the climate change adaptation plan. In each city, a steering committee comprising eight members from several sectors was formed. Various data, including literature reviews and expert consultations, were collected as evidence of health impacts, and were comprehensively appraised in a final workshop conducted by the steering committee.
  Results: Evidence regarding the health impact of the climate change adaptation plan was collected through the HIA. The health impacts of each program were organized using causal pathways and a comprehensive evidence matrix. Several recommendations for the climate change adaptation plan were suggested, including enhancing initiatives for vulnerable populations and improving the conditions of heat wave shelters. The evaluation outcomes of the pilot project indicated high levels of satisfaction and perceived necessity; moreover, an increase in participants’ awareness of the health impacts of climate change was also noted.
  Conclusions: The climate change HIA confirmed its potential to enhance the effectiveness of health-sector initiatives within the climate change adaptation plan. Future research directions to strengthen the implementation of climate change HIAs were also proposed.

• QuickStats 2025-09-04

  0 21 8

  Trends in the Intake of Saturated Fatty Acids during 2014–2023

  Soyeong Yeon

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(35): 1341-1342 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.35.3

  

  

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