SMEC Donates to Lupus Rural Awareness Initiative in Fiji

Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease affecting thousands in Fiji and across the Pacific, with many cases going undiagnosed.

The prevalence is particularly high among women, and limited healthcare access and low awareness pose significant challenges in the region. In Fiji, approximately 1 in every 1,000 people is affected by lupus, making initiatives to raise awareness and provide support essential for improving health outcomes.

In response to this urgent need, SMEC recently presented at its Suva office a donation to the Lupus Foundation in support of its “Rural Village Awareness 2024” project. This initiative is designed to raise awareness and improve healthcare access for lupus patients in rural areas of Fiji, with a specific focus on the villages of Semo, Lawai, Cuvu and Laselase in the Nadroga region. The project aims to address the needs of individuals living with lupus, their families, village leaders and healthcare workers, fostering greater understanding and support within these communities.

SMEC was represented by our Fiji staff Bulou Naivaluwaqa and Rosemary Maharaj, who is herself living with mild lupus and highlighted the initiative’s importance for local communities. The Lupus Foundation was represented by its Director and Founder, Ms. Una Tuitubou, and Lupus Warrior and Board Member, Mrs. Rani Hassan, both emphasising the critical need for increased awareness and support for those affected by lupus.

Wim Frencken, SMEC Country Manager Fiji, remarked, “We are proud to support the Lupus Foundation in this vital initiative. By raising awareness and providing resources, we aim to empower individuals and families affected by lupus in rural Fiji.” Libby Paholski, Chairperson SMEC SEA & Pacific CSR Committee, added, “This project aligns perfectly with our CSR priorities. By investing in health education and community support, we are contributing to the resilience and well-being of the communities we serve.”

The project includes workshops and educational sessions designed to inform and empower individuals about lupus, alongside the distribution of educational materials to ensure vital information is accessible. Community engagement is a significant focus, with interactions planned involving local leaders and healthcare workers to strengthen the support network for lupus patients.

This donation reflects SMEC’s commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves, emphasising its mission to engineer positive change. Through initiatives like this, SMEC continues to foster resilient communities and support sustainable health initiatives in the region.

Location

Fiji

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