This was done in collaboration with (tRi), the forefront organisation leading the charge to research, raise awareness about autoimmune conditions and Lupus in Ghana and also support people diagnosed with these conditions and the Oyemam Autoimmune Foundation.

A statement issued by the Group said representing tRi were members of the Global Lupus Outstanding Warriors (GLOW) a subgroup of tRi with specific focus on Lupus.  The statement said Its leader, Ms Angela Berkoh, spoke extensively about her life with the autoimmune disorder and its daily struggles including the high cost of medication and the general public aversion to people with the condition.

Ms Berkoh said this was as a result of ignorance, as a lack of awareness to the condition.

She said none of the medications and treatments were on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).  The Statement said, Mr Kingsley Aboagye Gyedu, Deputy Minister of Health, while acknowledging the high rate of ignorance about these conditions, expressed his willingness to ensure a lot more education and focus is placed on these conditions.

Other dignitaries present were the deputy Ministers of health, Mrs Tina Mensah, Deputy Minister of Gender Gifty Twum Ampofo and the Chief Director of MOH Dr Afisah Zackariah. Lupus is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years. World Lupus Day is commemorated on May 10 every year across many countries. 2017 marks the 14th annual observance of World Lupus Day.

 The day serves to call attention to the impact that lupus has on people around the world.

The annual observance focuses on the need for improved patient healthcare services, increased research into the causes of and cures for lupus, earlier diagnosis and treatment of lupus, and better epidemiological data on lupus globally.  World Lupus Day serves to rally lupus organisations and people affected by the disease around the world for a common purpose of bringing greater attention and resources to efforts to end the suffering caused by this disabling and potentially fatal autoimmune disease.

The Rheumatology Initiative, tRi is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing education, advocacy and research into the autoimmune rheumatic conditions in Ghana and Africa.  Led by one of only two rheumatologists in Ghana, it ultimately aim to help in finding the causes and cure for autoimmune rheumatic conditions and providing support, services and hope to persons affected with these conditions with special focus on young and adolescent persons and their loved ones.

tRi seeks to increase awareness, provide information, tips and the latest advances in the care of people with autoimmune rheumatic diseases, with these conditions.