Odisha Marks World Lupus Day: A Call for Awareness and Support

Raising Awareness on World Lupus Day

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Arthritis and Rheumatology Foundation Trust (OARFT), in partnership with the Odisha Arthritis and Rheumatology Centre (OARC), commemorated World Lupus Day on Saturday, showcasing solidarity and raising awareness.

The initiative aimed to celebrate the courage of Lupus survivors in the region while emphasizing the critical need for increased awareness and early detection.

An awareness rally was held, starting from Saheed Nagar and concluding at Rupali Square, with participation from survivors, healthcare professionals, and community members.

Notable attendees included OARFT founder Chaitanya Chandra Parida along with various medical experts and supporters.

During the event, Jyoti Ranjan Parida, a specialist at OARC, spoke about the severity of Lupus and the necessity for prompt medical intervention.

She noted that approximately 1,000 individuals in Odisha are currently diagnosed with Lupus, with nearly 90% being women.

Common symptoms include fever, chest discomfort, hair loss, skin rashes, and joint pain. Although Lupus is not contagious, it can be identified through specific antibody tests.

With appropriate lifestyle changes and medical treatment, patients can maintain a stable and fulfilling life,” she added.

Healthcare professionals stressed that enhancing public awareness and facilitating early screening are essential to mitigate the impact of this disease.

The event also aimed to dispel myths surrounding Lupus and empower patients with valuable information.

World Lupus Day is recognized globally on May 10 each year to promote awareness about this autoimmune condition and to support those affected.