The Lupus Foundation of Jamaica (LFJ) delegation was warmly received by the Honourable Prime Minister Andrew Holness at the Office of the Prime Minister on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. The meeting, a key highlight of the Foundation's 40th Anniversary and Lupus Awareness Month activities, celebrated the collaboration between the government and the LFJ in advancing care and support for Jamaicans affected by lupus, a serious autoimmune disorder affecting an estimated 6,000 persons.
As the meeting commenced, LFJ President Dr. Desiree Tulloch-Reid introduced the delegation and which included “lupus warriors” Eaton McKoy, Anthoney Smith and Shanae Robinson, founding member Rosemary Nethersole and board members Cedric McDonald and Sybil McLean. She expressed gratitude for the government’s significant contributions to lupus care over the years, including the provision of free critical medications, the inclusion of lupus in the National Health Fund (NHF) individual benefits programme – now benefitting over 2000 persons, expanded rheumatology services in the public sector, and a recently granted annual subvention to support the Foundation's work.
“We are deeply grateful for the government’s recognition of the challenges faced by those living with lupus and its commitment to addressing not only healthcare access but also broader social determinants of health,” Dr. Tulloch-Reid remarked.
The Prime Minister reflected on a personal interaction that had inspired his advocacy for lupus care, recounting a conversation with a young woman whose journey with lupus and the financial burden of her care moved him to act. “The costs are extremely high to fund this care—I have seen the figures. But this is why we have to grow the economy, so we can afford to support the most vulnerable in our society,” the Prime Minister said.
Dr. Tulloch-Reid shared insights into the disease’s significant impact, particularly on young women in their most productive years, the wide implications at both an individual and societal level, and the promise of innovative treatments like biologic drugs. She also highlighted some of LFJ’s programmes, including public awareness campaigns, medical professional education, support groups, counselling, and initiatives like the immune diagnostics programme and training of peer support volunteers.
Plans for a patient-led lupus registry and efforts to facilitate access to advanced treatments through clinical trials participation were also shared. These efforts, she noted, complement the government’s contributions and aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce the long-term healthcare burden by enhancing treatment options and survival rates as well as quality of life for persons living with lupus.
The meeting concluded with a presentation by lupus warrior Ms. Shanae Robinson, who handed over a framed statement of appreciation to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Foundation. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his support for lupus awareness and treatment initiatives, commending the LFJ’s dedication to improving lives through education, advocacy, and research.
The activity marked a significant moment in the Foundation’s history and 40th Anniversary celebrations and other Lupus Awareness Month activities, including an Awards Luncheon on Oct 31 as well as a free Lupus Symposium on Nov 3. The public is encouraged to contact the Foundation to participate in these activities, access information and support services and to support the Foundation’s efforts by donating, volunteering or membership.
About the Lupus Foundation of Jamaica Lupus Foundation of Jamaica (LFJ) is a volunteer-driven, member-based charitable organization founded in 1984. Dedicated to improving the lives of persons affected by lupus, the Foundation provides a range of services including public education, patient support programmes, advocacy, and the promotion of patient-centred research.
For more information visit
www.lupusfoundationjamaica.org or contact info@lupusfoundationjamaica.org or 8767783892.