FOR many living with lupus in Fiji, the battle is not only physical but deeply emotional, often fought in silence because of stigma and lack of awareness.
Founder of Lupus Warriors Fiji, Rani Hassan, said her support network was working to change that reality by connecting patients across the country.
“Currently, on my register, I have 38 that are part of our Warriors group, registered and in my database,” she said.
The group includes members from Savusavu, Lautoka, Ba and Nadi, with patients joining through an online platform open to Fijians overseas.
“On our page, there are 58 patients, but that is a private group, and I’ve opened it to Fijians living overseas too.”
Ms Hassan believes many more cases remain undiagnosed.
“Definitely, that is my concern.”
She remembers the emotional toll of her own diagnosis.
“When the doctor told me, I cried, and I sobbed … I thought I was going to die.”
She said stigma within communities often prevented patients from speaking openly.
“There’s a stigma about somebody else finding out … about your family finding out,” she added.
“Yes, I’m seeing improvements. Not as much as I would want, but it has changed somehow.”
Through counselling programs and outreach, Lupus Warriors Fiji continues to support patients and caregivers.
“Patients can feel suicidal because it’s too overwhelming,” Ms Hassan said.
