Rheumatology in sub-Saharan Africa: urgent challenges requiring context-specific solutions

Abstract

Rheumatology is the medical specialty focused on diagnosing and managing musculoskeletal diseases, connective tissue disorders, and systemic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. It includes both degenerative conditions, like osteoarthritis, and chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, and microcrystalline arthropathies, which often affect multiple organs (1).

Place of rheumatology among others specialities of Medicine

Due to its broad scope, rheumatology plays a pivotal role in the field of medicine. It is closely connected to internal medicine and immunology, as many rheumatic diseases are systemic and driven by immune mechanisms that are crucial for their development and treatment. Rheumatologists also collaborate with orthopaedists and specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation to manage chronic pain, degenerative diseases and functional disabilities. They also work with other specialists, including those in nephrology, pulmonology, dermatology, neurology and infectious diseases.