“Let us commit today that Lupus will no longer be a silent struggle in Fiji. Let us make it visible” – Acting Deputy Secretary for Hospital Services Dr. Mike Kama speaking at the International Lupus Day 2026 event at Albert Park Pavilion in Suva today.
During his remarks, Dr. Kama highlighted the Ministry of Health’s commitment to making Lupus—often called the “Great Imitator”—a visible part of Fiji’s national conversation on chronic diseases. He advocated for expanded clinical capacity, more specialised healthcare workers like rheumatologists, and an end to the social stigma surrounding the condition.
A new study conducted by Colonial War Memorial Hospital has revealed alarming lupus figures in Fiji, with the annual incidence rate estimated at 2.4 per 100,000 people.
The Ministry of Health, in partnership with Lupus Foundation Fiji and Juice Fiji, commemorated World Lupus Day today to raise global awareness, highlight the challenges faced by those living with lupus, and advocate for improved research, diagnosis, and treatment.
The occasion was also marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Lupus Foundation of Fiji and Juice Fiji, reaffirming a shared commitment to supporting lupus awareness and community health initiatives.
In signing the MoA, Juice Fiji’s Managing Director – Mr. Panapasa Daunakamakama and the Foundation’s Board of Trustees Member – Mr. Ben Whippy officiated.
A part of the Agreement that was signed today, stipulates that Juice Fiji products (Juice Bottles) will carry the LFF Logo on them to help spread awareness on the Foundation and the Disease – Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), or more commonly known as Lupus.
