About the World Lupus Federation
The World Lupus Federation (WLF) is a coalition of more than 200 patient organizations, united to improve the quality of life for the approximately 5 million people around the world who are affected by lupus. Through coordinated efforts among its members, the Federation works to expand global initiatives that create greater awareness and understanding of lupus, provide education and services to people living with the disease and advocate on their behalf.
The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) co-founded the WLF with Lupus Europe in 2015 and established the Federation’s first international steering committee which included leaders of lupus organizations from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Indonesia, Italy, United Kingdom, and the United States. The LFA currently serves as the Secretariat of the Federation and manages its day-to-day operations. The Federation is guided by a steering committee comprised of the Asociación Lupus Argentina, Lupus Australia, Lupus Foundation of Bangladesh, Lupus Europe, Federación Española de Lupus, Lupus South Africa, Lupus UK and Lupus Foundation of America.
Our Reach
With a network of more than 200 lupus patient organizations spanning 90 countries across six continents, the WLF harnesses the power of patient voices to foster empathy, elevate awareness, and encourage greater public and private investment in lupus research and patient services. Many of these organizations are led by volunteers—including lupus patients and their families—who offer vital information, emotional support, and connections to care.
Our Goals & Priorities
- Increase global awareness of lupus and its impact and increasing early recognition of lupus signs and symptoms.
- Improve access to care, support services, and treatments.
- Advocate for policies and programs that benefit lupus patients and their caregivers.
- Inspire collective action to fight lupus and mitigate its impact.
- Influence governments, health ministries, and global institutions to prioritize lupus in healthcare agendas.
- Establish partnerships with global and regional health organizations to further our mission.
- Connect people with lupus worldwide, empowering them to advocate for increased funding for research and services.
- Provide training, tools, and resources to strengthen lupus organizations globally.
Member Capacity Building
The WLF is implementing multi-year initiatives to bolster the capacity of lupus groups to enact positive change in awareness, support services, and medical research. By sharing programmatic knowledge, materials, and guidelines, we aim to empower member organizations to effectively serve their communities and advocate for those living with lupus.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more united global lupus community to create a brighter future for all affected by this disease.