[ 2017-05-10 ]

Many nations mark World Lupus Day on 10th May

Ghana sets May 10 as World Lupus Day
The Ministries of Health and Gender and Social
protection have jointly proclaimed the 10th of May
as World Lupus Day in Ghana, joining many other
nations globally in doing so.

This was done in collaboration with The
Rheumatology Initiative Ghana (tRi), the forefront
organization leading the charge to research, raise
awareness about autoimmune conditions and Lupus in
Ghana and also support people diagnosed with these
conditions and the Oyemam Autoimmune Foundation.

Representing tRi were members of the Global Lupus
Outstanding Warriors (GLOW) a subgroup of tRi with
specific focus on Lupus. Its leader, Ms. Angela
Berkoh, spoke extensively about her life with the
autoimmune disorder and its daily struggles
including the high cost of medication and the
general public aversion to people with the
condition which she stressed was as a result of
ignorance as a lack of awareness to the condition.
She also mentioned however that none of the
medications and treatments were on the NHIS.

Representing the Minister for Health, was his
deputy honourable Kingsley Aboagye Gyedu who
acknowledged the high rate of ignorance about
these conditions and stressed his willingness to
ensure a lot more education and focus is placed on
these conditions. Other dignitaries present were
the Deputy Minister of Health, Mrs Tina Mensah,
Deputy minister of Gender, Gifty Twum Ampofo and
the Chief Director of MOH, Dr Afisah Zackariah.

Lupus and World Lupus Day

Lupus is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune
disease that can damage any part of the body
(skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body).
Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to
last longer than six weeks and often for many
years.

World Lupus Day is commemorated on the 10th of May
every year across many countries. 2017 marks the
14th annual observance of World Lupus Day.

The day serves to call attention to the impact
that lupus has on people around the world. The
annual observance focuses on the need for improved
patient healthcare services, increased research
into the causes of and cure for lupus, earlier
diagnosis and treatment of lupus, and better
epidemiological data on lupus globally. World
Lupus Day serves to rally lupus organizations and
people affected by the disease around the world
for a common purpose of bringing greater attention
and resources to efforts to end the suffering
caused by this disabling and potentially fatal
autoimmune disease. (culled from
http://www.worldlupusday.org/about-us.html)

About the Rheumatology Initiative

The Rheumatology Initiative, tRi is a non-profit
organization dedicated to providing education,
advocacy and research into the autoimmune
rheumatic conditions in Ghana and Africa. Led by
one of only two rheumatologists in Ghana, we
ultimately aim to help in finding the causes and
cure for autoimmune rheumatic conditions and
providing support, services and hope to persons
affected with these conditions with special focus
on young and adolescent persons and their loved
ones. tRi seeks to increase awareness, provide
information, tips and the latest advances in the
care of people with autoimmune rheumatic diseases,
with these conditions.

Source - Starrfmonline.com

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