Welcome
Since 1979 Lupus Association of NSW has been the leading peak body which offers advice, information, support and networking for patients across NSW and now also parts of Australia.
Our priorities
1. To facilitate support and provide counselling and factual up to date information for our members.
2. To promote understanding of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and related Connective Tissue Diseases (CTD) amongst ourselves, our families, medical and allied health professionals and the community.
3. To operate as a resource base for information and literature regarding Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and related Connective Tissue Diseases.
4. To liaise with similar organisations both interstate and overseas.
5. To promote financial support for research, training and health care services for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and related Connective Tissue Diseases.
6. To consult with Government bodies for appropriate funding for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and related Connective Tissue Diseases.
Latest News
As the financial year comes to an end, we invite you to support the Lupus Association of NSW and make a meaningful difference for people living with lupus. Every day, people living with lupus face pain, uncertainty, and the quiet courage of simply getting through.
Your donation becomes more than funding — it becomes comfort, connection, and hope. It helps us provide compassionate support services, trusted guidance, and advocacy for better care and the need for vital research that brings us closer to earlier diagnosis and safer treatments. Your kindness truly touches lives.
Please give today and help us stand beside every person in NSW who is fighting this unpredictable disease.
Cr Barbara Ward
President
Lupus Association of NSW
New World Lupus Federation Global Survey Finds 58% Know Very Little or Nothing About Lupus
Low familiarity and ongoing misconceptions underscore the need for increased education and broader visibility, building on more than a decade of progress.
The World Lupus Federation (WLF) today released new global survey results on public awareness, attitudes, and perceptions of lupus ahead of World Lupus Day (May 10, 2026). The data shows that 58% of respondents worldwide still know little or nothing about lupus – a gap that directly impacts those living with the disease.
The key findings from the survey, conducted by the World Lupus Federation (WLF) across the United States, Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia, revealed that 58% of respondents worldwide know very little or nothing about lupus. While progress has been made in recognizing some common symptoms, the findings highlight a significant gap in understanding the seriousness and complexity of this disease.
Other key findings include:
- 48% do not know or are unsure that lupus can affect any organ in the body
- 46% are unaware that lupus can be fatal
- 41% don’t know or are unsure that symptoms can vary
- 19% incorrectly believe lupus to be contagious
These findings underscore the urgency of continuing to raise awareness and education about lupus among the general public and the medical community.
For a deeper look into the full results of the survey, read the white paper
Signs & Symptoms
Diagnosing Lupus
How Does Lupus Affect the Body
Life Style Management
Raise a hand to help us
Help research to find a cure!
Join us as we work to find a cure for this hidden monster
ACNC and DGR Registered Charity
Lupus Association of NSW is a registered charity.
Donations help us to offer advice, information, support and networking for patients across NSW and now also parts of Australia.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
The Lupus Association of NSW site is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. However, do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information on this site. Always seek the advice of your local family physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Medical information changes rapidly and while the Lupus Association of NSW make efforts to continually update the content on the site, some information may be out of date.