The Lupus Foundation Fiji has recorded 34 cases of the disease in Fiji since it’s inception in May last year.
Deputy Executive Coordinator of the Foundation, Kaliova Turagaiviu says it is an auto-immune disease and it is prevalent in People of Colour and people of Asian descent which is most of Fiji.
Turagaiviu says a lot of people are misdiagnosed as it mimics other diseases.
The disease attacks the immune system instead of protecting it and the signs of the disease include rashes breaking out, joint pain, hair loss and fever.
He says Lupus has no cure but with proper management, people can live a long and productive life.
He adds that there are thousands of people in Fiji and even in the Pacific who may have the disease and do not know it because they are not that well versed and the health system is not that well developed as first world countries.
He adds that a lot of people have reached out to them on Social Media and their concern is that they are aware that they have the disease but they are having difficulty in getting their doctors in diagnosing them as they are not that well versed with the disease.
He says they are trying to rope in the Ministry of Health and form a partnership with them so that awareness of the disease can be added in the Medical School Curriculum and the general public are also made aware of the disease.
He adds that the Foundation has its work cut out for them and they can partner with government and other organisations and NGO’s and try and raise awareness.
