World Lupus Day 2023, Date, Theme & Importance

World Lupus Day 2023

World Lupus Day is a global healthcare event that takes place on May 10 each year to raise awareness about this critical autoimmune disease. The day is dedicated to promoting a better understanding of lupus and providing support for those who have been impacted by the condition. It also aims to raise funds for more research to combat the disease.

What Is Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, resulting in inflammation and pain. There are four types of lupus, with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) being the most common. Lupus is often referred to as an “invisible disease” because its symptoms can vary and resemble those of other medical conditions, such as fever, joint pain, skin rashes, and problems with internal organs (kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain). This can lead to a misdiagnosis of the condition, making it even more important to raise awareness and understanding of lupus.

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World Lupus Day 2023: Theme

The theme for this year’s World Lupus Day (also known as purple day) in 2023 is “Make Lupus Visible.” The aim of this campaign is to raise public awareness of the diagnosis of lupus and to highlight its psychological, social, and economic consequences. Additionally, the campaign will call on the World Health Organization to recognize lupus as a global health priority.

World Lupus Day 2023: Importance

Lupus is a disease that can affect anyone but is typically diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 15 and 44, with females being more commonly affected than males. This may be due to the influence of oestrogen hormones on the immune system, as they are known to modulate cytokine production and play a role in lupus pathogenesis. Studies estimate that at least 50 lakh people globally suffer from lupus, with 34 lakhs (68%) affected by SLE, and an estimated prevalence of 43.7 (15.87 to 108.92) per 1,00,000 people. Lupus is a complex and debilitating disease that can be fatal, yet general awareness of the condition is extremely low.

Early detection and careful medical attention can help control the disease’s symptoms and reduce the risk of organ damage. World Lupus Day aims to create awareness about the condition among local communities and healthcare governing bodies, enlighten people about its severity, raise funds for deep research, and provide mental support to all affected individuals and their families.