The spirit of solidarity was palpable on 25 May 2025 (Sunday) morning as more than 500 participants gathered at Laman Astaka, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa for Walk-A-Payung 2025, a symbolic 3KM walkathon organised by Persatuan SLE Malaysia (PSLEM), in partnership with Faculty of Medicine & HCTM, UKM in conjunction with World Lupus Day.
Walking under umbrellas – a visual metaphor for protection against sun exposure, a major concern for lupus patients – participants showed their support for Malaysians living with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
Since its debut in 2007, Walk-A-Payung has become a flagship awareness event for PSLEM, reflecting its long-standing commitment to empowering lupus warriors and advocating for their needs.It is estimated that 43 out of 100,000 autoimmune cases are affected by SLE.
“Lupus has no cure and can cause debilitating symptoms such as joint pain, organ damage, and extreme fatigue,” said Prof. Dr. Syahrul. “These challenges often affect not just health, but also job security, financial stability, and mental wellbeing. Walk-A-Payung is one way we can create public awareness and foster a sense of community for those impacted by this disease.”
The event was officiated by Dato’ Dr Norsiah Binti Ali, Pengarah, Gred Jusa B (M), Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, and Prof. Dr. Syahrul Sazliyana Binti Shaharir, President of PSLEM and Consultant Rheumatologist at HCTM UKM. The morning began with an energising group Zumba session led by the Royal Fitness Squad from Universiti Malaya, followed by a ceremonial flag-off that marked the start of the 3KM walk.
The key highlight of the event was the official launch of iLawan Lupus: A Patient Dialogue Book on SLE, developed by AstraZeneca. The book captures real patient voices and narratives, offering a vital platform for advocacy, empathy, and greater understanding of the lupus journey. This initiative serves as a vital resource to bridge communication gaps between patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
Throughout the morning, attendees enjoyed a range of activities, including family-friendly entertainment, lucky draws, creative contests, and meet-and-greets with the 501st Legion Malaysia Garrison.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), also known as lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease1 that requires a lifelong struggle for those who have it. Despite the fact that there are 43 cases of lupus per 100,000 people in Malaysia,2 the disease is underdiagnosed, leaving lupus patients and their caregivers to fight the disease alone. The Malaysian SLE Association (PSLEM) and the Malaysian Society of Rheumatology (MSR) have teamed up with AstraZeneca to launch #UnlockingLupus, a public awareness campaign aimed at promoting early diagnosis and lupus awareness.
The #UnlockingLupus campaign was launched in conjunction with World Lupus Day, and it was officiated by Dr. Izzuna Mudla Mohamed Ghazali, Deputy Director, Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section, Medical Development Division, Ministry of Health. Also present were Dr. Heselynn Hussein, President of the Malaysian SLE Association, Dr. Syahrul Sazliyana, UKM Rheumatologist and a representative of the Malaysian Society of Rheumatology, and Bernice Chan, Chief Marketing Officer of AstraZeneca.
AstraZeneca is supporting a microsite that was specifically created for the #UnlockingLupus campaign and is located at www.unlockinglupusmy.com. The microsite acts as a one-stop resource for information on lupus, offering the general public resources for everything from diagnosis to treatment.
From the physical symptoms to the emotional struggles that come with having lupus, it is a constant battle for patients with lupus, their caregivers and loved ones. We believe the best way to support them is to spread awareness through this collaborative campaign that shares more insights on lupus, and how the public can support the patients and caregivers.
said Dr Heselynn Hussein, President of the Malaysian SLE Association
Dr. Heselynn asserts that PSLEM offers an SLE fund to which patients can apply for assistance. Lupus cannot be cured, but with the right care and support, the condition can be controlled. The available treatments help manage the “butterfly” flares while ensuring minimal organ damage, depending on the type and severity of symptoms.
As part of its ongoing efforts to educate the public about lupus, PSLEM organised the “Walk-a-Payung for Lupus” event in conjunction with the recent World Lupus Day on May 10 with the help of AstraZeneca. The walk with umbrellas serves as a metaphor for the support and safety lupus patients need, as well as the effects lupus has on parents and their support network.
Our aim is to help patients be heard and supported in this silent battle. Living with lupus is challenging as it takes a toll on the body and mind. With the campaign microsite, we invite everyone to learn more about lupus, where a diagnosis can be challenging as the symptoms are often hidden away.
said Dr Syahrul Sazliyana, UKM Rheumatologist and a representative of the Malaysian Society of Rheumatology
Speaking from the perspective of a lupus patient, 66-year-old Jean Chan indicated that lupus has taught her to be resilient. She has lived with lupus for the past 29 years. The constant support, encouragement, care, and love given to the patient is the most crucial element in helping them overcome their negative feelings about having this debilitating illness.
Many living with lupus face challenges with diagnosis, unpredictable disease flares and limited care options. Globally, lupus places a heavy physical, emotional and financial burden on the 5 million people living with the condition. At AstraZeneca, we are working towards a future where people living with lupus have access to quality care. This goal is being advanced through scientific innovation, stronger collaboration with the lupus community, and an increased focus on health equity.
Bernice added that their goal is to collaborate with associations using a partnership-driven strategy to educate the public about this chronic illness, encourage early diagnosis, and encourage treatment seeking. Together, they can work to raise the bar for treatment and ultimately help people with lupus live more fully.
Lupus is a chronic illness that can be managed with effective care and a positive environment. Visit www.unlockinglupusmy.com for more information about lupus.
Malaysian SLE Organisation (PSLEM) PSLEM is a non-profit charitable organisation. It was set up in 1994 by doctors and patients to support people living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to also promote public understanding of SLE and related Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD).
Malaysian Society of Rheumatology (MSR) MSR is a professional society for rheumatologists in Malaysia, that aims to promote the growth of rheumatology as a specialty, improve the state of management of rheumatic diseases, and drive awareness for arthritis awareness among professionals and the public.
AstraZeneca AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit astrazeneca.com and follow the Company on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook
About SLE Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) SLE is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue in the body.3 It is a chronic and complex disease with a variety of clinical manifestations that can impact many organs and can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, rashes, fatigue, and swelling in joints and fevers.4 Approximately half of all patients with SLE will have some form of organ damage within 10 years of their diagnosis caused by the disease or existing treatments, which exacerbates symptoms and increases the risk of mortality.3,5,6
References 1. American College of Rheumatology. Guidelines for referral and management of systemic lupus erythematosus in adults. Arthritis & Rheumatology. 1999; 42: 1785-1796. 2. Chai, H. K., Phipps, M. E., & Chua, K. H. (2012). Genetic Risk Factors of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in the Malaysian Population: A Minireview. Clinical & Developmental Immunology, 2012, 1. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/963730 3. Bruce IN, et al. Factors associated with damage accrual in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: results from the systemic lupus international collaborating Clinics (SLICC) inception cohort. Ann Rheum Dis. 2015; 74: 1706-1713 4. American College of Rheumatology. Guidelines for referral and management of systemic lupus erythematosus in adults. Arthritis & Rheumatology. 1999; 42: 1785-1796. 5. Segura BT, et al. Damage accrual and mortality over long-term follow-up in 300 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in a multi-ethnic British cohort. Rheumatol. 2020; 59 (3): 524-533. 6. Chambers SA, et al. Damage and mortality in a group of British patients with systemic lupus erythematosus followed up for over 10 years. Rheumatol. 2009; 48: 673-675.
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