The youngest Lupus patient recorded by the Lupus Foundation of Fiji is 6 years old.
This has been confirmed by the Foundation Executive Director Una Tuitubou who says that in the last two years, more than 60 people had Lupus and this was recorded by the Foundation.
Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal and healthy tissue. The symptoms of the deadly disease include inflammation, swelling, and damage to the joints, skin, kidneys, blood, heart and lungs.
Tuitubou says in 2019 alone, in a period of ten months there were 34 cases of Lupus recorded.
She says they hope to engage the community and relevant authorities to allow for the early detection of Lupus and work towards providing the proper treatment and care for sufferers.
Tuitubou says it is a known fact that women have 90% more chance to be diagnosed with the disease and this also affects mostly females aged from 14 to 45 years old.
She says thousands of people in Fiji may have the disease but do not know it.
The Lupus Foundation of Fiji is working to create awareness for those suffering from Lupus in May 2021.
Tuitubou says the month of May will mark a month-long global awareness campaign for Lupus and Fiji will join this global initiative with a range of activities around the country in May.
She says they will be having a ‘Walk a Mile in My Shoes’ on the 1st of May at Albert Park and Syria Park from 5am to 8am.
Tuitubou says they will also be having it in Nadi and Lautoka but it will be held on May 8th and in Tavua on May 29th.
She says there will be a Suva FUN Run Activity on May 15th and Memorial Celebration Canoe Race in Suva on May 22nd.
Tuitubou says their main event which is the Charity Ball, will be held at 6pm on May 29th at Central Cuisine Restaurant at Laucala Bay. Tickets are $150 each.
You can get details on our Hands Across Fiji section of our website here: https://www.fijivillage.com/tags/Hands-Across-Fiji/
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