Share and Care program on Lupus

KOTA KINABALU: Persatuan SLE Malaysia (PSLEM) Sabah Chapter with cooperation of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Malaysia Sabah and Hospital Queen Elizabeth will organize a Share and Care program on November 2 at Auditorium, Faculty Medicine and Health Science.

The aim of the program is to provide information and increasing awareness of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment among patients, members of the medical profession and the public to contribute towards an early diagnosis and proper management of the disease.

PSLEM, a non-profit, charitable organization was formed in 1994 to provide social and psychological support for people suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a life-long, life-threatening disease that occurs when the body's immune system turns against its own tissues.

A majority of SLE patients are females, mainly women of childbearing age, although men and children are not spared.

Under the umbrella of Persatuan SLE Malaysia, a Sandakan Chapter was launched in October 2004, which has been co-opted into PSLEM Sabah Chapter on 11 May 2013 with a registered figure of about 400 members in Sabah, including patients and non-patients. The number of sufferers should be growing as there are more along the way undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

There will be a talk by Associate Professor Dr Malehah Mohd Noh, Consultant Rheumatologist, Senior Lecturer in University Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu on the topic “Kenali Penyakit SLE”.

At the same time, two special talks will be given by SLE patient and guardian on the Sharing Experience Living with SLE. At the end of the program, there will be a session for patients and family members to share their experiences living with lupus.

In close contact with fellow patients, the speakers will advocate help, advice and information about treatments, symptoms and side effects. Admission is free of charge. Buffet lunch and tea break will be provided.

Registration can be made via WhatsApp to 012-8133338 or email address at pslemsabah@yahoo. com or FB at https://m.facebook. com/pslemsabah.