The World Lupus Day Proclamation

WHEREAS, Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause sever damage to the tissue and organs in the body and, in some cases, death; and
WHEREAS, more than five million people worldwide suffer from the devastating effects of this disease and each year over a hundred thousand young women, men and children are newly diagnosed with Lupus, the great majority of whom are women of childbearing age; and
WHEREAS, medical research efforts into Lupus and the discovery of safer, more effective treatments for Lupus patients are under-funded in comparison with diseases of comparable magnitude and severity; and
WHEREAS, many physicians worldwide are unaware of symptoms and health effects of Lupus, causing people with Lupus to suffer for many years before they obtain a correct diagnosis and medical treatment; and
WHEREAS, there is a deep, unmet need worldwide to educate and support individuals and families affected by Lupus; and
WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to increase awareness in communities worldwide of this debilitating impact of Lupus;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that 10 May, 2008 is hereby designated as World Lupus Day on which Lupus organizations around the glove call for increase in public and private sector funding for medical research on Lupus, targed education programs for health professionals, patients and the public, and worldwide recognition of Lupus as significant public health issue.