Rheumatology workforce in Africa: The challenges of providing care with limited resources including workforce

Abstract

Life threatening communicable diseases, inadequate and over-burdened public health systems, and struggling economies place a tremendous strain on health systems with very limited resources in sub-Saharan Africa. Poverty, political instability and unemployment compound these challenges and further contribute to the main disparity between the developed and developing world. The health workforce is alarmingly scarce both in numbers and training . Musculoskeletal conditions though prevalent in Africa remain largely orphan diseases because of fierce competition for scarce resources. Health professionals, administrators and government officials need to work together and identify the burden of rheumatic diseases as an important health focus . Partnership between the international community and Africa could be instrumental in achieving this success. Collaboration and funding from international musculoskeletal institutions and the wider community towards the growth and development of rheumatology care in Africa is vital to develop and improve services. How can you help