Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria on Thursday joined other countries across the globe to commemorate World Lupus Day, with a number of medical experts from Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in attendance.
The event, which took place at the School of Health Sciences, was organized by MAAUN International Office in partnership with Lupus Aid Foundation as part of an effort to raise awareness about the deadly disease.
In her presentation, a Rheumatologist from Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Dr. Zainab Sa’id who gave an overview of the disease, said the disease has been in existence from time immemorial.
She said the disease, which affects a lot of people in Nigeria and elsewhere, is peculiar to women, especially between the ages of 18 and 45.
Dr. Sa’id, who spoke on symptoms and treatment of the disease, stressed the need for a continuous awareness campaign against the deadly disease which affects millions of people across the world.
Earlier in his opening remark, the President of MAAUN, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Israr said the university decided to observe the day so as to raise awareness about the disease which is often misunderstood by the general public.
He expressed the readiness of the university to collaborate with relevant organizations with a view to engaging in advocacy in improving lives of individuals with the disease.
Speaking, the Dean, School of Nursing Sciences, Dr. Umar Lawan Bello described Lupus as a mystery disease because of its complexity, urging patients to always go to hospital for immediate diagnosis and treatment.
In his address, Prof Rayyan Garba, the Dean, School of Medicine, provided a brief overview of lupus, while calling for adequate support for the affected persons, and urging stakeholders to sustain the awareness campaign against the disease.
Also speaking, Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Prof.Ahmed Maigari Ibrahim, thanked the organizers of the event for creating awareness on the disease and urged patients to extend the message to those who were not able to attend the program.
Some experts who spoke during the occasion included Dr. Musa Bello Kofar Na’isa, Consultant Rheumatologist from AKTH, Barrister Aminu Usman, Grand Patrol, Lupus Aid Foundation and Alhaji Dalhatu Abubakar, Chairman, Al-Hamsad Group.
In his vote of thanks, the Vice President Administration, Dr. Habib Awais Abubakar thanked Lupus Aid Foundation for agreeing to partner with the university and expressed hope that the collaboration would be sustained.
He appreciated the organizers of the event and all those who attended the program.
Other management staff members that graced the event included, Head, Human Resource Unit, Hajia Maimuna S. Bello; among other dignitaries from outside of the university.
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