A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Lupus Warriors NG, has urged all levels of government to increase efforts in raising awareness about the illness, which is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the eyes, hands, and legs.
The call was made by the organisation’s founder, Ms. Olatomiwa Ogunwomoju, who was diagnosed with the disease seven years ago, during a Lupus Awareness Walk held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Ogunwomoju stressed that a widespread lack of awareness often prevents early diagnosis, which is critical to managing the disease and improving patients’ quality of life.
“The aim of today’s walk is to educate people about lupus and how early diagnosis can help manage the condition and enable patients to live meaningful lives,” she said.
She explained that World Lupus Day is observed annually on May 10 to celebrate lupus warriors and spread awareness about the disease.
“Today, we are providing financial support and free prescriptions to lupus patients,” she added.
“I’ve lived with lupus for nearly eight years. It affected my sight—I was blind for almost a year and still have partial vision. It’s a challenging condition with fluctuating symptoms. Despite this, I stay positive and adhere to my medication.”
Ogunwomoju also highlighted the high cost of medications as a major barrier for patients and called for government intervention.
“Many patients can’t afford treatment. We hope increased awareness will drive support. I appeal to the government at all levels to work with rheumatologists across Nigeria to make medications free. Many patients live with disabilities and cannot do regular 9-to-5 jobs. I’m a living example.”
Also speaking at the event, Consultant Rheumatologist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Dr. Ibukunoluwa Dideke, revealed that the prevalence of lupus in Oyo State is about 0.5%, with women more commonly affected.
“Early symptoms are often misdiagnosed as malaria or thyroid issues. Patients may treat malaria one week and thyroid problems the next,” she explained.
Dr. Dideke noted that the Nigerian Society of Rheumatology has been working to include autoimmune medications in the national essential drugs list.
“Some drugs have already been included, and we hope more will be added. We urge the government to recognise the needs of lupus patients and fast-track the inclusion of these medications,” she said.
