The outlook of rheumatological care in Africa: Current state, challenges, and recommendation

There is a gross lack of access to rheumatological access in Africa. For example, the most populous country in the continent, Nigeria, has just 30 rheumatologists serving a population of about 200 million. In Ghana, there are just 2 rheumatologists serving a population of about 28 million people. Unfortunately, the prevalence of rheuma-tologic and musculoskeletal diseases is on the rise in Africa. The main issues facing rheumatologic care in Africa are inadequate health professionals, inadequate research, and a weak health system. These factors have hindered the progress of rheumatologic care and treatment in the region. Prompt action must be taken in tackling these effects and to achieve better care for rheumatologic patients in Africa. This paper analyzes carefully the current state of rheumatologic care in Africa, identifying the needs for rheumatologic care, determinants of quality of rheumatologic care delivery, and the challenges currently facing rheumatology care in Africa. Also, this review gives some recommendations on ways by which the existing system of rheumatologic care in Africa can be improved.

Automated summary

There is a significant lack of access to rheumatological care in Africa, with a shortage of healthcare professionals, limited research, and weak healthcare systems hindering progress. Prompt action is needed to address these issues and improve rheumatologic care in the region.