Lupus awareness empowers patients

LocalHealth & Fitness
14 Aug 2025 • 10:05 AM MYT
Daily Express
Daily Express

Daily Express Online (Malaysia) is Sabah's top-ranked & most viewed English news site. It is also Sabah's leading & most circulated daily English newspaper.

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By: Mardinah Jikur

KENINGAU: A total of 60 participants attended the 2025 Lupus Awareness Programme organised by the Malaysian SLE Association (PSLEM) Sabah Branch, held recently at Hotel Juta, here.

The programme aimed to educate the public and empower individuals affected by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease that is often misunderstood.

AdvertisementA key highlight was a lecture by Dr. Izdihar Marwani Dahlan, Senior Medical Officer from Queen Elizabeth Hospital 1, who addressed common myths and facts about SLE treatment. She also shared crucial information on symptoms and stressed the importance of early detection.

Adding a personal perspective, a lupus patient shared her journey in managing the physical and emotional challenges of living with the disease. She offered messages of hope, encouraging others to stay strong, follow their treatment plans, and seek support.

Held under the theme “Stronger Together: Enhancing Lupus Awareness,” the event is part of the branch’s continuous effort to raise awareness and strengthen community support.

Geoffrey Sinn, President of PSLEM Sabah Branch, emphasized the vital role of community involvement in supporting those affected. He noted that while there is no cure for lupus, early diagnosis, proper treatment, and consistent support can significantly improve patients’ quality of life.

Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“The campaign is about mobilizing public support for the Lupus Warriors — the brave individuals living with this challenging condition,” he said.

Set up in 1994, PSLEM is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting lupus patients. The Sabah branch currently has over 860 members, including 760 patients.

Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});For more information on SLE and PSLEM Sabah’s initiatives, the public may contact 012-8133338 or email [email protected].

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