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By Lukman Olabiyi
Medical experts and health stakeholders have raised concerns over the increasing number of lupus patients in Nigeria, warning that low public awareness and widespread misconceptions about the chronic autoimmune disease are worsening outcomes for sufferers.
The concerns were raised during the 2026 World Lupus Day awareness campaign themed “Steps for Change,” organised by the LUREG Support Foundation in Lagos as part of activities marking Lupus Awareness Month.
Speaking at the event tagged “Walk with Lupus Communities,” Nigeria’s first paediatric rheumatologist and consultant paediatrician, Dr. Ayodele Faleye, stressed the urgent need for sustained public enlightenment to combat ignorance surrounding the disease.
Faleye noted that many lupus patients are often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late because of poor understanding of the condition among the public and even some healthcare providers.
She called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, healthcare institutions, advocacy groups, and the media to educate Nigerians on Lupus symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.
Also speaking, Dr. Okeke Florentina underscored the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive support systems to improve the quality of life of people living with lupus.
According to her, timely medical intervention remains critical in reducing complications associated with the disease.
Executive Director of the foundation and Lupus survivor, Fauzat Sanusi, lamented the huge financial burden faced by patients in managing the disease.
She explained that the cost of diagnosis, testing, and medication remains beyond the reach of many Nigerians, especially as several specialised diagnostic tests are not readily available in the country.
Sanusi further urged the government to increase investment in healthcare infrastructure, improve access to testing facilities, and support advocacy efforts aimed at creating more awareness about Lupus.
The General Manager (GM) of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal also expressed concern over the increasing number of Lupus patients in Nigeria and said the state government through its teaching hospital is working round the clock to address the menace.
She affirmed the state government’s commitment in giving support to Lupus communities and also stepping up awareness campaigns on the diseases.
Some of the stakeholders who spoke, said the campaign became necessary amid growing concerns over the rising prevalence of the disease and the low level of awareness about the disease in Nigeria.
World Lupus Day, observed globally on May 10, is focused on the theme “Make Lupus Visible,” aimed at drawing attention to the impact of the disease, improving patient care, and promoting research funding worldwide
