A paediatrician at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital has reiterated that lupus is a chronic disease hence cannot be cured but can only be managed.

Dr Hilda Mantebea Boye explained that treatments are available to manage the condition even though it cannot be cured.

According to her, this management starts with early detection through diagnoses, a holistic approach of taking care of oneself through regular check-ups and getting support through the various treatment options available.

"The hope is that treatments are available even though it cannot be cured. The outlook is generally better because there are treatments available," she stated.

Speaking on the Prime Morning show on Tuesday, the Paediatrician said that statistics show that the mortality rate of lupus has dropped from 45% to about 20% in 10 years intervals because there are treatments available to manage the condition.

"...Victims might die two years after diagnoses, but according to the Epidemiology Society, the mortality rate among Lupus patients on admission has reduced marginally in Ghana". She added.

Lupus is an inflammatory disease caused by the immune system attacking its tissues. It can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.

Symptoms vary but can include fatigue, joint pain, rash and fever. These can periodically get worse (flare-up and then improve.

While there's no cure for lupus, current treatments focus on improving quality of life through controlling symptoms and minimising flare-ups.

This begins with lifestyle modifications, including sun protection and diet. Further disease management includes medication such as anti-inflammatories and steroids.

Talking more on support for victims, she urged the public to avoid discriminating among people living with lupus because the condition is non-communicable.

According to her, the disease is genetic and cannot be transferred through body contact; hence people should show love and support because it is the first form of treatment for the condition.