A Northland doctor whose son has been diagnosed with a lethal genetic condition says it needs more attention.

Today is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Day, an event to raise awareness and funds for the condition which affects approximately 60 New Zealand families.

Lance O'Sullivan whose son was diagnosed with the condition seven weeks ago said not enough is known about the condition which slowly makes kids loose the use of their muscles and eventually results in fatal heart and lung complications.

"When I was at medical school we had a couple of lectures on Muscular Dystrophy and it was really hard to understand because it's quite complex and it's rare," he explained.