Lupus Warriors

My name is Aisha Kaka. I was diagnosed in Lagos State in 2009. I had SLE, which had already resulted in Lupus Nephritis. I had 3 doses of rituximab, then my real journey began.

I had so many challenges getting treated because too many people, as well as medical practitioners, had little or no knowledge about Lupus. Also, there is the challenge of very few rheumatologists available.

Eventually, my kidneys packed up in 2021, and I had to start dialysis. In 2022, I had a kidney transplant, but I still have challenges coping with the Lupus aspect when I have to be rushed to any nearest hospital.

A Lupus Wellness Centre will definitely go a long way in alleviating the issue of professional care, better awareness, and less struggle in explaining our stories.

I am so excited about the support we are getting from the Summit for Lupus campaign.

I am proud to support the Summit for Lupus Campaign and the vision to establish a Lupus Wellness Centre in Nigeria. Living with lupus has taught me strength I didn't know I had, but it has also shown me how urgently we need better awareness, care, and support systems.

So many people misunderstand lupus; they don't see the pain, the fatigue, or the daily battles we fight silently.

A dedicated Lupus Wellness Centre would mean access to specialised care, emotional support, and hope for warriors like me.

Thank you to Mablevi Lupus Foundation for standing with us and championing this cause, and to my family—my biggest support system—for walking this journey with me every single day.

In 2019, I experienced preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) at six months of pregnancy. Referred to the Federal Medical Centre in Ogun State, doctors advised terminating the pregnancy to save my life, but I refused.

After days of monitoring, I went into labor and delivered a nonresponsive baby who was later revived and placed in intensive care. After three months in the hospital and multiple complications, my son survived and is now healthy.

During this period, I began experiencing severe weakness, chest pain, and joint problems. Medical tests later diagnosed that I have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues.

The inflammation caused fluid buildup around my heart and lungs, requiring two surgeries on my heart and left lung at University College Hospital.

Despite the challenges, I continue to fight for better awareness and care for all lupus patients in Nigeria.