In a poignant address commemorating World Lupus Day, Mrs. Emma Danso, the Executive Director of Oyemam Autoimmune Foundation, highlighted the stark reality faced by lupus patients, shedding light on the often overlooked repercussions of steroid usage in their treatment journey.

Drawing from a comprehensive global survey conducted by the World Lupus Federation, Mrs. Danso underscored the significant side effects of steroids used by lupus patients, likening them to complete diseases for others. The survey, spanning 108 countries and involving 7,741 respondents, revealed a distressing array of complications, including diabetes, heart disease, organ failure, osteoporosis, and vision impairment.

While acknowledging that steroids often alleviate lupus symptoms, Mrs. Danso emphasized that 95% of respondents reported experiencing at least one adverse effect, with weight gain, mood swings, appearance changes, insomnia, increased appetite, and hair loss among the most prevalent.

Mrs. Danso lamented the insufficient support for lupus awareness and treatment in Ghana, citing low awareness levels and exorbitant healthcare costs. She advocated for the availability of lower-dose prednisolone tablets, stressing that many patients default on treatment due to fears of side effects.

Speaking passionately about lupus as a chronic autoimmune disease, Mrs. Danso emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and adherence to treatment regimens for effective management. She urged concerted efforts to raise awareness and implement supportive policies, highlighting the disease's unpredictable nature and its far-reaching impact on individuals and families.

In conclusion, Mrs. Danso rallied for collective action to elevate lupus awareness, urging stakeholders to join forces in making lupus visible and fostering a more supportive environment for those battling this complex condition.

Source by Graphic Online