Skopje, 28 February 2024 (MIA) — North Macedonia's Postal Service is launching a postage stamp dedicated to children with phenylketonuria (PKU), the sixth in a series of stamps issued in support of children with rare diseases.

According to a press release from It Is Rare to Be Rare association of people with rare diseases, the stamp will have a denomination of 36 denars. It will be printed in 6,000 copies. It will be officially promoted on June 28, International PKU Day.

"By dedicating stamps to the most vulnerable category, the Macedonian Post has yet again shown that it is a socially responsible company that cares for its citizens, especially children with rare diseases," the press release says.

The stamp issuance was initiated by North Macedonia's Postal Service employee Gordana Loleska, who is also It Is Rare to Be Rare association president, in cooperation with the association of people with phenylketonuria PKU Heroes.

The previous five stamps were issued to raise public awareness of children with rare diseases; children with Alport syndrome; children with Gaucher disease; children with epidermolysis bullosa; and children with ichthyosis.

In addition, the release says, the government, through its Program for Active Health Protection of Mothers and Children, will introduce newborn screening to identify cases of phenylketonuria throughout the nation, improving early detection and outcomes for children with PKU. mr/