After the launch of the Lupus Foundation of Fiji on the 10th of May 2019, the LFF hit the ground running with a sense of urgency in its work of creating awareness, education and advocacy – in the fight against the auto-immune disease – “Systemic Lupus Erythematosus” (SLE), or commonly known as “Lupus”. Beginning its journey without any major funding or support, the LFF set off on its journey using the small and meagre resources available to it, along with huge support from friends, supporters, partners, Lupus ‘Warriors’ (suferers) and their Carers, and families and individuals – directly and indirectly affected by this disease.
April 2023 will always be remembered, as the month that the LFF began to make inroads into its struggle to be recognized as an important and serious partner, in the arena of public health. After reaching out to the biggest stakeholder in the fight against Lupus, which is the Fijian Government, the Honourable Minister for Health and Medical Services – Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, granted an audience with the Foundation. A year after this meeting, on the 4th of October 2024 – an MOU was signed between the LFF and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. The Permanent Secretary for Health – Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, and representing the Foundation, the Chair of the LFF Board – Dr. Meciusela Tuicakau, both officiated at this historic event.
On behalf of the Lupus Foundation of Fiji, it’s Trustees, Board Members, the Executive Director, all our Partners, Supporters, Friends, our Carers, Families and most importantly our brave Lupus Warriors, who are our only Beneficiary in this fight – We’d like to thank the government of the day in the person of the Minister for Health and Medical Services – the Honourable Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu and his Permanent Secretary – Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, and of course the Senior Health Officials at the Ministry HQ, for working with the Foundation in drafting this MOU, the head of Internal Medicine at the CWM Hospital – Dr. Shrish Acharya – who has been lending us his support and advice since Day 1 when we began this journey, Dr. Anis Taeed – a Consulting Nephrologist at the CWM Hospital, all the Doctors and Nurses in all our major Hospitals who have been indirectly assisting us before this historic document became official – please accept our immense thanks and gratitude! Thank you for helping us “Save Lives!” … Vinaka Vakalevu, Foi’eksia, and Dhanyavhaad!
