The Great Mimicker – Although it has been around since the 13th century, in Fiji, Lupus is not that well known amongst the medical fraternity and the general public. The degree of difficulty in correctly diagnosing Lupus is increased, because it mimics the signs and symptoms of other diseases.
Lack of Awareness – Lupus is pretty “new” to Fiji, but has been around for generations because of the change in our diet and the rise in “processed” foods in the country, and the change in lifestyle. Since the founding of the Lupus Foundation of Fiji (LFF), our Awareness and Advocacy has been ‘two-pronged’ – one to the medical fraternity and the other to the general public.
Heterogeneity – No two Lupus sufferers or patients, ARE THE SAME! Every lupus patient experiences or presents, with different signs and symptoms. This also contributes to the degree of difficulty in correct diagnosis.
Actual Prevalence – Lupus is a disease that is prevalent in people of colour, and people of Asian descent. Universally, 90% of Lupus Sufferers are Women! The High Risk Group are Women of Child-Bearing age from 13 – 47 years. Lupus in Men is more Aggressive – like Breast Cancer is in Men.