WORLD LUPUS DAY
PROCLAMATION

Whereas, lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s own healthy cells causing tissue damage, organ failure 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 men, women and children are newly diagnosed with lupus, the 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 disease of comparable magnitude and severity; 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 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 the debilitating impact of lupus;

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the World Health Organization recognizes and declares May l0, 2004 as WORLD LUPUS DAY and joins with lupus organizations around the globe in calling 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.  WORLD LUPUS DAY is announced in conjunction with the 7th International Lupus Congress in New York City, held to advance the science on lupus.

PROCLAIMED THIS DAY, MAY 10^th, 2006

WORLD LUPUS DAY 
ACTION PLAN 
DO YOU HAVE TEN MINUTES TO SPARE?

What can I do?:  Please write or E-mail your Provincial MPP, and your Federal MP, asking for their endorsement of the World Lupus Day Proclamation.  Contact the Minister of Health, and the Minister of Citizenship, who handles our Disability Act.

Who should write:  You, your partner, your family members and friends.  It is important that each person write or E-mail an individual letter to maximize the number of letters received and to show that, as a group, we are ‘electorally significant’.  We need to work together to maximize our lobbying clout.  The letters will gain support and recognition for World Lupus Day 2006.

You may also contact your local regional council, your local municipal council and Mayor, your local newspaper and your local radio station to help publicize this event.  Ask your newspaper to print an article on lupus, and the importance of public awareness for Lupus Erythematosus.

You may wish to print copies of the Proclamation and display them in your Doctor’s office, Dentist office, Hospital, School, College, University, Drug Store, Variety Stores, offices, businesses, etc.  Anywhere where the poster will be visible and easily read would be just fine.  You may approach service groups, or develop a petition for local support throughout Ontario.

Government Addresses are located in your telephone directory in the blue pages.  Please write your Federal representative, your Provincial representative and your Regional and Municipal representatives.

Please let us know at Lupus Foundation of Ontario by telephoning 1-800-368-8377 if you have any results from your endeavours.  We have until May 10th to get our message heard loud and clear.