PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has pledged government support for improved care, research, and early diagnosis of lupus in Fiji.
Speaking at the “Dancing with Lupus” dinner hosted by the Lupus Foundation over the weekend at Central Cuisine Restaurant in Suva, Mr Rabuka acknowledged the often invisible but debilitating nature of the autoimmune disease.
“Lupus is not always visible,” he said.
“It can attack silently, affecting joints, kidneys, and skin. But while it may be invisible to the naked eye, the pain, fatigue, cost of treatment, and the emotional burden are all too real.”
Mr Rabuka called this chronic illness a “serious public health issue”.
He expressed admiration for those living with the condition, referring to them as “brave lupus warriors” and acknowledging their resilience.
Mr Rabuka committed to ensuring that lupus is included in Fiji’s national non-communicable disease (NCD) strategies, wellness programs, and chronic disease frameworks.
“We must stop treating it at arm’s length, or worse still, in isolation.
“Too often patients wait months or even years for a correct diagnosis.
“A very close relative of mine is living overseas where the best medical facilities are available.”
He announced plans to train frontline health workers, specialist nurses, and other experts to identify early signs of lupus and committed to expanding rheumatology services beyond Suva.
