Whereas, lupus is a serious and incurable autoimmune disease that can cause life-threatening damage to any organ in the body; and,
Whereas, lupus is a global health problem that affects millions of young women, men and children of all nationalities, races, ethnicities, genders and ages worldwide; and
Whereas, many physicians worldwide are unaware of the symptoms and health effects of lupus, causing people with lupus to suffer for many years before they can obtain a correct diagnosis and medical treatment; and
Whereas, medical research efforts into lupus and the discovery and development of safer, more effective treatments for lupus patients are under-funded in comparison with diseases of similar magnitude and severity; and
Whereas, people with lupus will face a lifetime of living with the unpredictable and life-changing health effects of this disease; and,
Whereas, there is a deep, unmet need worldwide to educate and support individuals, families and caregivers affected by lupus; and
Whereas, there is an urgent need to increase awareness in communities worldwide of the devastating impact of lupus,
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that 10 May 2018 is hereby designated as World Lupus Day on which lupus organizations around the globe call for increases in public and private sector funding for medical research on lupus, targeted education programs for health professionals, patients and the public, and worldwide recognition of lupus as a significant public health issue.