WORLD LUPUS DAY TO BE OBSERVED ON MAY 10th, 2009

2nd May, 2009 -- Lupus organizations around the world have united to sponsor the sixth World Lupus Day observance on 10 May 2009. At least five million people worldwide have lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that strikes mostly young women of childbearing age. There are many women and men in Grenada who suffer from Lupus. Lupus does not have any special face, and you may be surprised to learn that someone you know, may be suffering from Lupus.

World Lupus Day will focus on the need for heightened public awareness, improved patient healthcare services, increased research into the causes of and a cure for lupus, enhanced physician diagnosis and treatment of lupus, and better epidemiological data on lupus globally.

Lupus affects more than just the person with the disease - it also impacts their family, friends, and work colleagues. Still, it is widely under-recognized as a global health problem by the public, health professionals, and governments, driving the need for greater awareness. Early recognition, diagnosis and treatment of lupus help to slow the debilitating effects of the disease. However, lupus is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms frequently mimic common illnesses.

Increasing awareness of lupus will save lives.