Almeria unites to make lupus visible on World Day

Yesterday afternoon at Espacio Alma there was a celebration of World Lupus Day, a disease that affects more than 5 million people worldwide, 100,000 in Spain and an estimated 1,000 may live in Almeria. It was organized by the Autoimmune and Lupus Association of Almeria (ALAL) and received the support of the Almeria City Council, the Provincial Council, the Government of Andalusia and FAAM.

The central event was the reading of the Manifesto, in which they expressed their needs and the need to continue research into this disease. In addition, the importance of identifying autoimmune chronic inflammatory diseases that present with flares and invisible symptoms such as asthenia, pain, and photosensitivity was emphasized. During the event, certificates of appreciation were presented to Julio García Feito, Physician of the Rheumatology Department of the Torrecardenas University Hospital; Matilda Garro Lara, nurse in the rheumatology department of the CPE of the University Hospital of Torrecardenas; and Maria Escorisa García, founding partner of ALAL.

ALAL President Liz Lucero Juanay thanked all the administrations gathered at the event and highlighted the work of the association, which brings together more than one hundred members.

Paola Lainez, Councilor for Family, Inclusion and Equality at Almeria City Council, states that “lupus affects not only the individual but also those close to them, and it is important that we as a community are united in our support. “Today is a day to reflect on the challenges faced by people living with this autoimmune disease, and to celebrate their strength, resilience and determination.”

Additionally, the advisor added that “it is critical that we continue to work together to improve research, diagnosis and treatment of lupus, and to increase understanding and compassion for those who suffer from it. On the part of the Almería City Council, we support them, firstly through their headquarters, which is located in Espacio Alma, but also by collaborating in their activities and training programs.”

Vice President and Deputy for Social Welfare Angel Escobar stressed the importance of this international day to “make the population visible and aware of this chronic disease that affects a large number of people. The attention given to survivors is vital to providing them with a better quality of life.”

“I want to thank all the people who are responsible for providing them with the best care, such as healthcare workers and their families. We must value family because it is the foundation that helps them improve their quality of life,” Escobar added.

The Territory’s Health and Consumer Affairs delegate stressed the importance of “raising awareness through events like the one we are celebrating today about the existence of this chronic disease and the importance of treatment to provide affected people with better health care.” life.” Belmonte recalled the progress made through the Organic Disability Working Group, of which ALAL is a member, “where we work through our hospitals to understand the basic health needs of different groups.”

FAAM President Valentin Sola praised “the work done by the association to raise awareness and awareness about a disease that is little known and when you are diagnosed with it, you don’t know exactly what to do. This association, integrated into FAAM, also carries out very important work in the field of psychological and social assistance, as well as a program of seminars and social activities, for which I want to congratulate them.”

The city’s fountains lit up purple last night in honor of World Lupus Day.