World Lupus Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about this autoimmune disease which affects 30,000 to 40,000 people in mainland France, 90% of whom are women, mainly between 15 and 45 years old.
World Lupus Day takes place every year on May 10. This is an opportunity to raise awareness among the general public about this complex autoimmune disease, which is still too little known. According to Health Insurance, it mainly affects women (90% of cases) of childbearing age, with a peak frequency observed between 30 and 39 years old. This pathology, often disabling, evolves in flare-ups interspersed with more or less prolonged periods of remission.
When is World Lupus Day in 2026?
World Lupus Day is celebrated every year on May 10. In 2026, it will fall on Sunday May 10. This year will mark the 23rd edition of this international event.
What is the 2026 theme for World Lupus Day?
This year’s theme emphasizes accessibility to care and inclusion: “Lupus without borders: Joining forces for equitable care.” Last year, the theme “Gateway to the Future” celebrated biotechnological advances. In 2026, the focus is on reducing treatment disparities across the world. Every patient, regardless of their geographic or social situation, must be able to access new biotherapies that are transforming disease management.
Why wear purple against Lupus?
Purple is the official color in the fight against lupus. Autoimmune diseases are traditionally represented by a ribbon of this shade. To show their support, citizens are invited to:
- Wear purple clothing or accessories on May 10.
- Wear the purple ribbon (available from partner associations).
- Share photos on social networks (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X) with the hashtags #WorldLupusDay or #MakeLupusVisible.
Origin: since when has World Lupus Day existed?
This day was proclaimed in England by an international committee representing 13 countries which launched an appeal to all governments, with the aim of obtaining funds intended for research and finding a treatment adapted to the disease. Since 2004the year World Lupus Day was established, lupus organizations around the world carry out activities on May 10 to raise awareness and educate the public about the symptoms of lupus and its health effects. The aim is to make it one of the international health priorities and to ensure that people with lupus around the world are diagnosed and treated effectively, says the World Lupus Federation on its website.
| THE lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease relatively rare, the most common form of which is systemic lupus erythematosus, also called acute systemic lupus erythematosusbecause it can reach any organ like kidneys, heart, lungs, blood cells… We say that a disease is autoimmune, when the immune system, which protects us against microbes or substances foreign to the body, goes wrong and turns against the body’s own cells. |
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What events are organized?
Throughout the month of May (Lupus Awareness Month), various actions are planned:
- Illuminations: Many monuments and public buildings will light up purple on the night of May 10.
- Conferences: Medical webinars to present new therapeutic options.
- Solidarity marches: Gatherings organized by local branches of patient associations.
What is the World Lupus Day logo?
World Lupus Day is symbolized by a butterfly. The butterfly is the universal symbol of lupus. This choice refers to “vespertilio”, a characteristic rash that appears on the face of patients (at the level of the cheeks and the bridge of the nose) and whose shape is reminiscent of the wings of a butterfly.
What are the Lupus patient associations?
- Lupus France
- AFL+ (French Association of Lupus and other autoimmune diseases)
- Lupus Europe
Sources: World Lupus Day websites, World Lupus Federation, Lupus France, Health Insurance
