On 10 May 2026, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness (WCDHW), in collaboration with leading healthcare institutions such as Tygerberg Hospital, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, and Groote Schuur Hospital, is shining a spotlight on lupus, Cape {town} Etc reports.
This year’s global theme, ‘Steps for Change,’ accentuates the urgency of raising awareness about this chronic autoimmune disease, advocating for early diagnosis and fostering support networks for those navigating life with lupus.
Lupus can manifest uniquely in each individual, often misleadingly dubbed an “invisible illness,” as some patients may appear healthy while battling debilitating symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes. The condition can impact various bodily systems, including the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, heart, brain, and blood cells. These complexities often make for a difficult diagnosis, leading to potential long-term health complications without timely treatment.
Understanding lupus
Common symptoms of lupus include:
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Joint pain and swelling
- Skin rashes
- Hair loss
- Mouth ulcers
- Fever
- Swelling of the legs or face
- Chest pain
- Headaches and difficulty concentrating
Given that lupus is most frequently diagnosed in women, awareness becomes paramount in communities where symptoms are often overlooked or misidentified. Many individuals may only seek medical attention when the disease has already progressed to a severe state.
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‘Lupus presents uniquely in every patient, which makes early recognition and consistent management critical,’ stresses Prof Riette du Toit, Head of the Division of Rheumatology at Tygerberg Hospital.
The importance of awareness
The WCDHW seeks to bolster awareness across all levels of the public healthcare system. Initially, patients typically consult clinics and community health centres where healthcare workers assess symptoms, provide initial treatment, and refer patients to specialist services when necessary.
For those experiencing complex or severe manifestations of lupus, tertiary hospitals such as Tygerberg or Groote Schuur Hospital serve as key facilities for specialised care. These institutions provide comprehensive support, including:
- Rheumatology specialists
- Kidney care
- Dermatology services
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Social work and psychosocial support
Prof Bridget Hodkinson, Head of Rheumatology at Groote Schuur Hospital, expressed concerns over the lingering consequences of delayed diagnoses: ‘Strengthening awareness and improving access to specialised care are essential to improving outcomes for patients living with this condition,’ she states.
Supporting young patients
Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital offers unique paediatric lupus services, prioritising early diagnosis and long-term care for young patients.
As Dr Kate Webb explains, ‘For children living with lupus, the journey can be particularly challenging. Awareness is key to ensuring early diagnosis and minimising long-term complications,’
Real stories emerge from these healthcare initiatives. Patient Tamryn Swartz, diagnosed during pregnancy in 2016, highlights the need for resilience: ‘Lupus does not define my outcome; I do,’
Meanwhile, 13-year-old Osahon Irene’s journey was fraught with emotional upheaval upon diagnosis, as described by his father, Mr Ikponmwosa Irene.
‘We were devastated. It affected us emotionally and psychologically as a family,” he recalls. However, with appropriate treatment, Osahon has returned confidently to school activities, including playing soccer. “Lupus is not a death sentence,’ his father insists.
‘Trust the medical system, support your child, and keep your faith,’
A call to action
This World Lupus Day, the WCDHW urges communities, healthcare professionals, patients, and families to:
- Learn the signs and symptoms of lupus
- Seek medical care early
- Support those living with lupus
- Help reduce stigma around invisible illnesses
- Strengthen access to coordinated care and specialist services
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Also read:
Living with lupus: a doctor’s journey of resilience and hope
Picture: WCDHW
