LUPUS AWARENESS: LASODA CALLS FOR SOCIAL SUPPORT

The General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal has called on the public to engage in actions that can create a more supportive environment for those living with Lupus to enhance their coping mechanisms and overall well-being. 

She made the call at the commemoration of World Lupus Day organised by the Nigerian Society of Rheumatologist (NSR) in collaboration with Lupus Remedies Global Support Foundation & MABLEVI Lupus Foundation MLF held at the MRC Hall of LASUTH, Ikeja on Friday.

Oyetunde-Lawal said that living with lupus can be challenging, but having a strong support system can have a huge significance in the lives of patients 

In her words, “I believe that once we come together we can push for more research and development as well as creating awareness of the condition. Research and Development cannot be overemphasised, it is the backbone of progress in understanding, treating, and eventually curing lupus”.

Speaking further, the General Manager advised parents and caregivers of children living with Lupus to continue to educate their children about the condition. 

In her words: “Expose the reality to the children and let them understand their condition, empower them with the right information, do not hide the realities of Lupus from them”.

While enjoining LUPUS patients to seek professional guidance, which is extremely important to significantly improve their quality of life, she reiterated the mandate of LASODA to create a Lagos where inclusion and rights are enjoyed by people with special needs.

She said: “For us at the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, we will continue our Mandate of ensuring that the rights of PWDs are protected”.

Also speaking at the event, the Director, Drug Information Centre, Clinical Research and Development Unit (LASUTH), Pharm. Dr Oluwatoyin Ojo, said several agencies are looking into researching newer cures for managing diseases. 

She, however, called for more research from relevant institutions in the country, while also encouraging patients to stick to their medical prescriptions.

“Please adhere to medication and treatment, have a support system, form a support group that will help you ask questions about the condition and together proffer solutions”, the Director added. 

Lupus, or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), is a complex autoimmune condition characterized by the immune system’s attack on its tissues, causing widespread inflammation. This inflammation can impact multiple organs and systems, leading to a diverse range of symptoms such as joint pain, skin rashes, and organ dysfunction. 

Symptoms can fluctuate in severity and duration, but while lupus is a chronic disease with no cure, management focuses on symptom control and maintaining quality of life.

Also present at the event tagged, “Empowering Lives Navigating Lupus Together”, were Sanusi Fauzat Olubukola, Director of LUREG; Hon Sanusi Idowu Dauda, Chairman of LUREG; Prof Olufemi Adelowo, Professor of Medicine/Consultant Rheumatologist, LASUTH; Dr. Ayodele Falaye, Consultant Paediatrician/Pediatric Rheumatologist, LASUTH; Dr Emmanuella Zamba, PS of LASHMA and Dr. Hakeem Olaosebikan among others.