SCSD funds treatment, builds community, and drives awareness for patients with autoimmune and other specialised diseases across South Africa — because no one should face their diagnosis alone.
Our Story
In 2016, Jerome Samuel — SCSD's founder — was diagnosed with Dermatomyositis, a rare inflammatory condition causing skin rash, muscle inflammation and weakness. His road to diagnosis took over a year, a reality that reflects just how difficult autoimmune diseases are to detect without specialist testing and awareness.
Autoimmune disease is rising globally, yet in South Africa the burden is largely invisible within the public health system. Rheumatologists are scarce, diagnostic services are limited, and treatment costs place care out of reach for most patients. When a diagnosis finally arrives, many patients lack the education and community support needed to manage their condition well.
SCSD was founded to close that gap — ensuring that every patient, regardless of their circumstances, can access treatment, find community, and live with dignity.
To provide sustainable care for persons suffering from autoimmune and other specialised diseases through treatment programs, support groups and increased awareness.
To improve the quality of life of every patient we serve — making informed, dignified care accessible regardless of financial circumstance.
Understanding the Condition
An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system — which exists to protect you from bacteria and viruses — loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign invaders and your own healthy cells. In a healthy immune system, this distinction is precise. In autoimmune disease, the system turns against itself, causing chronic inflammation, pain, and damage to organs and tissue.
There are more than 100 recognised autoimmune conditions, ranging from Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus, to Dermatomyositis, Multiple Sclerosis, Type 1 Diabetes, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, and Crohn's Disease. Each affects the body differently, but all share this central malfunction: an immune system that has begun attacking the very body it was designed to protect.
What makes these conditions particularly challenging is that symptoms are often invisible, overlap with other conditions, and can take months or years to correctly diagnose. This is especially true in South Africa, where access to specialist rheumatologists and immunological testing is severely limited.
"Autoimmune disease is not a life sentence. With the right support, dietary changes, and functional approach to root causes, many patients can reclaim their health and quality of life."— Paraphrased from Dr. Amy Myers, MD · Functional Medicine Physician & Author of The Autoimmune Solution · amymyersmd.com
Immune cells that normally target bacteria and viruses begin mistakenly attacking healthy tissue. This process triggers chronic inflammation — the root mechanism behind pain, fatigue, and organ damage in autoimmune conditions.
Many autoimmune symptoms — fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, skin changes — are non-specific and overlap with other conditions. A correct diagnosis typically requires multiple specialist consultations, blood panels, and imaging over an extended period.
Most autoimmune research and resources are concentrated in high-income countries. In South Africa, specialist shortages, financial barriers, and limited diagnostic services leave many patients undiagnosed, undertreated, or relying on traditional medicine that may delay appropriate care.
Research-Informed
Autoimmune conditions rarely have a single cause. Research points to a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors — with gut health emerging as a central piece of the puzzle.
Genetics set the foundation for autoimmune risk. Having a family member with an autoimmune condition increases your likelihood, though genes alone are rarely sufficient — environmental triggers are typically also required to activate the disease.
Certain viral infections — including Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex, and others — have been linked to triggering immune dysfunction. The immune response mounted against the infection can, in genetically susceptible individuals, turn against the body itself.
Heavy metals, pesticides, mould toxins, and industrial chemicals can overwhelm immune regulation and drive chronic inflammation. Reducing exposure through organic food choices, filtered water, and non-toxic household products may help protect immune health.
Diets high in refined sugar, processed oils, gluten, and certain lectins are associated with increased intestinal inflammation. Functional medicine practitioners, including Dr. Amy Myers, recommend removing common inflammatory foods as a foundational step in autoimmune management.
Prolonged psychological stress dysregulates the immune system, suppressing some functions while amplifying inflammatory responses. Stress management — through sleep, movement, and mental health support — is increasingly recognised as critical to autoimmune management.
A compromised gut lining allows bacteria, toxins, and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response. Peer-reviewed research (Frontiers in Immunology, 2017) identifies leaky gut as a key environmental trigger of autoimmunity in genetically predisposed individuals.
Further Reading: Dr. Amy Myers, MD — a functional medicine physician who reversed her own autoimmune condition — has written extensively on the root causes and management of autoimmune disease. Her work explores how gut health, diet, toxins, stress, and infections interact to drive autoimmunity. Visit amymyersmd.com for her articles on triggers, the AIP diet, and reversing autoimmune disease through functional medicine. SCSD references Dr. Myers' publicly available educational content for informational purposes.
The Gut Connection
Approximately 70–80% of the immune system is housed in the gut. When the gut lining is compromised — a condition known as increased intestinal permeability, or "leaky gut" — foreign particles enter the bloodstream, triggering immune alarm responses that can escalate into autoimmune disease.
Emerging research, including a 2025 systematic review in PubMed, confirms that gut microbiota imbalances (dysbiosis) are frequently observed across autoimmune conditions including lupus, Type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. Supporting gut health through diet, probiotics, and lifestyle changes is increasingly central to both prevention and management.
Nutrients such as L-glutamine, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and collagen support the integrity of the gut lining. Probiotic-rich foods and supplements help restore microbial balance — a foundational step recommended by functional medicine practitioners worldwide.
Remove inflammatory foods (gluten, refined sugar, processed oils) and introduce gut-supporting nutrients like L-glutamine, bone broth, and omega-3s.
Introduce probiotics and prebiotics to rebuild a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a direct role in regulating immune function and reducing inflammation.
Limit exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and environmental chemicals that disrupt immune regulation. Choose organic foods and filtered water where possible.
Chronic stress worsens gut permeability and immune dysregulation. Sleep, mindfulness, moderate exercise, and social connection all support immune resilience.
All lifestyle and dietary changes should complement — not replace — treatment prescribed by your qualified health practitioner. Always discuss changes with your medical team.
What We Do
SCSD's work is built around three interconnected programs that support patients from diagnosis through to long-term wellbeing.
We assist patients by co-funding treatment programs recommended by qualified health practitioners — removing the financial barrier between diagnosis and the care patients desperately need.
We formulate and facilitate support groups for patients, their families, and the caregiver community. Living with chronic illness requires a village — and we are building one.
We create patient and community awareness about autoimmune and specialised diseases through campaigns, educational resources, and partnerships with healthcare providers and community organisations.
Patient Guidance
Managing an autoimmune condition is a daily commitment. These practical, evidence-informed tips can help you stay in control of your health and wellbeing.
Your doctor monitors your condition even when you feel well. Regular check-ins help catch changes before they become crises — and give your team the data they need to adjust your treatment.
A symptom diary helps your doctor determine whether your current regimen is working — and gives you a stronger voice in your own care. Note patterns, triggers, and changes in severity.
Omega-3 rich foods (wild fish, flaxseed), leafy greens, and turmeric support the immune system. Research and functional medicine practitioners recommend limiting refined sugar, processed vegetable oils, and ultra-processed foods that drive inflammation.
Set small, achievable movement goals. Even five minutes of gentle activity when you are fatigued keeps muscles engaged and supports mood. Yoga, walking, and swimming are often well-tolerated by autoimmune patients.
Infections can trigger autoimmune flares. Support your immune system with adequate vitamin D, zinc, and probiotics for gut health. Wash hands frequently and address infections early rather than waiting them out.
Consistency is essential. Place medication somewhere visible, use a pill organiser, or set phone reminders. Never adjust or stop medication without consulting your doctor first.
Trusted External Resources
We encourage patients, caregivers, and community members to educate themselves using reliable, evidence-based sources. The resources below are a starting point.
A functional medicine physician with personal experience of autoimmune disease, Dr. Myers writes extensively on root causes, diet, gut health, and reversing autoimmune conditions. Highly accessible and research-referenced.
Visit amymyersmd.com →A registered South African NPO working to improve awareness, diagnosis timelines, and patient rights for those living with autoimmune conditions. Includes advocacy guides for medical aid disputes.
Visit autoimmunealliance.co.za →Peer-reviewed research published in Frontiers in Immunology examines the relationship between gut health, leaky gut, and autoimmune disease — supporting dietary and lifestyle interventions.
Read on PubMed →A New York Times bestseller that presents a functional medicine approach to preventing and reversing autoimmune conditions through diet, gut healing, and lifestyle change. Available online and at major bookstores.
Learn more →For patients and advocates interested in research funding and rare disease programs, the Rare Diseases Network provides information on fellowships, grants, and research opportunities.
Explore resources →The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet is designed to reduce inflammation and heal the gut lining by eliminating known inflammatory triggers. Dr. Amy Myers provides a comprehensive guide on her website.
Read the AIP guide →Make a Difference
Your donation directly funds patient treatment, support groups, and awareness campaigns for those who need it most across South Africa.
Get in Touch
Whether you are a patient, caregiver, healthcare professional, potential partner, or supporter — we want to hear from you.