The Rheumatology Initiative (tRi), a Non-Governmental Organization, has lighted up the national independence monument to create awareness of the lupus disease in the country.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the body's organs and in severe cases, organ damage and failure can occur.

The Global Lupus Outstanding Warriors Leader, Angela Berkoh said the lightening of the purple at the independence monument was to climax activities to celebrate the awareness of the disease in May.

“This is the second year of lighting up this monument as part of lupus awareness month celebration in Ghana which focuses on nutrition for remission”.

She said over five million people worldwide are living with Lupus, which is a complex potentially life-threatening condition.

Ms Berkoh said science has proven that healthy eating is a key component in battling any medical condition and urged all to eat healthy to be strong and stay alive.

She said over the past four years, the NGO has raised awareness on the Lupus and autoimmune conditions raising it from a quiet situation to prominence leading to various discussions on the concern.

Ms Berkoh said one of the topmost priorities of any nation should be the health of its people and that, every life that can be saved is worth saving.

“As we light up this monument, we wish to re-echo that, to all those diagnosed with Lupus despite the pain and the darkness you might endure, look out for the light of hope and hold on to it”.

The foundation was founded in 2012 to provide education, advocacy and research into the autoimmune rheumatic condition in the country and Africa.

As part of strategies to achieve the aims of the initiative, the foundation has set up a support group-Rheusolute for young and adolescent persons with autoimmune conditions.

It has also developed and implemented an open support-therapy group for people living with various autoimmune diseases in the country; and provided safe, conducive and affirmative environment for people living with the disease.