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.