House debates

Tuesday, 25 May 2021

Statements by Members

World Lupus Day

1:34 pm

Photo of John AlexanderJohn Alexander (Bennelong, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Monday 10 May was World Lupus Day, a day to raise awareness of this under-recognised but debilitating condition. While most people have heard the term 'lupus', few know what the condition entails. Lupus is an autoimmune disease where an overactive immune system begins to attack otherwise healthy parts of the body. While this can be visible as a skin condition, it is just as likely to be invisible and affecting joints and internal organs. And, just like other unseen conditions, it is easy to overlook. This year, World Lupus Day carries the slogan 'Make Lupus Visible', recognising that, despite the fact that more than five million people around the world struggle with lupus every day, the condition remains unseen and covered from most people's eyes. There is no cure for lupus, only treatment to manage some symptoms. As with other incurable invisible conditions, the links to self-image and mental health can be just as debilitating as the condition itself. So support is essential.

I'm delighted that the Lupus Association of New South Wales is based in my electorate. They do great work under the leadership of the inimitable Barbara Ward. They support people struggling with the condition, manning phone lines to answer their questions and provide advice and reassurance. They do incredible work with limited resources and deserve all the support and praise we can give them.

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