PSLEM Sabah Chapter Administrator Jean Chan, Bice President Madam Chang Shui Han, speaker Dr Anna Farazilah, PK HEM Serena Roslinah Imran of SMK St Francis Convents (M).
KOTA KINABALU : – The Sabah Lupus Awareness Programme 2024 was successfully held at SMK St. Francis Convent (M) on Oct 11.
It was aimed at raising awareness about Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) among the youth.
The event attracted enthusiastic participation from the school community.
Commencing at 7am, the event featured an enlightening presentation by Dr Anna Farazilah Mohd Salleh, a rheumatologist from Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu.
Her presentation, titled “Let’s Talk About Lupus”, offered an in-depth exploration of SLE, focusing on various critical aspects of the condition.
Special attention was given to photosensitivity—a common symptom experienced by lupus patients, highlighting the necessity for them to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
The response from the students was overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the effectiveness of the programme in enhancing awareness.
The attendees displayed remarkable curiosity, posed thoughtful questions, and showed an increased awareness of the struggles faced by individuals with SLE.
Their active engagement underscored the event’s success in fostering empathy and understanding within the student body.
Following the talk, 347 students from Form 3 and Form 4 participated in the symbolic Mini Walk-a-Payung, a 400-meter walkathon conducted on the school’s sports grounds.
During the walk, students carried open umbrellas to symbolize the daily battles faced by lupus patients, particularly the need to protect themselves from sunlight—a poignant reminder of the invisible challenges of living with this autoimmune condition.
Madam Chang, Vice President of the Persatuan SLE Malaysia, Sabah Chapter, emphasized that the event was organized as part of the larger Sabah Lupus Awareness Programme 2024, under the themes “Know Lupus” and “Spread Lupus Awareness.
She underscored the initiative’s goal of educating the younger generation about lupus, including its symptoms, impacts, and the significance of early detection and proper management.
By empowering individuals with accurate information, the programme aims to generate greater community support for “Lupus Warriors”—those living courageously with this challenging condition.
The organizers also expressed their deep gratitude to Pengetua Flavia Suimin, Penolong Kanan Hal Ehwal Murid Serena Roslinah Imran, Guru Kesihatan Nur Syuhaida Ab. Halim of SMK St. Francis Convent (M) for their pivotal role in hosting the event.
The school’s collaboration was recognized as crucial in reaching young students and instilling a sense of empathy and understanding towards lupus, ultimately helping to nurture a compassionate and informed future generation.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, primarily affecting individuals between the ages of 15 and 25. Over 95% of patients are women of childbearing age, with men and children representing a smaller percentage.
SLE occurs when the immune system produces excessive antibodies that attack the body’s tissues, potentially causing life-threatening complications.
Diagnosing lupus can be difficult because its main symptoms—joint pain, fatigue, rash, and fever—mimic many common illnesses, often resulting in misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
The onset of SLE is linked to genetic predisposition, ultraviolet radiation, estrogen levels, certain medications, foods, and infections. SLE symptoms vary and can include recurrent fevers, butterfly-shaped or discoid rashes, oral mucosal bleeding or ulcers, and swollen, painful joints.
The disease may also affect major organs such as the lungs, kidneys, and nervous system, causing significant health risks.
Persatuan SLE Malaysia, founded in 1994, is a charitable organization that provides social and psychological support for individuals affected by SLE.
The Sabah Chapter was established in 2013, with a total of around 890 members throughout Sabah, including patients and non-patients from various regions.
For more information on lupus and how to get involved, visit www.lupusmalaysia.org or follow them on Facebook at Persatuan SLE Malaysia Sabah Chapter and Instagramat Pslem Sabah Chapter Official.
