Experts warn over shortage of child specialists

DAR ES SALAAM: EXPERTS have urged medical students and pediatricians to specialise in Pediatric Rheumatology to help address the acute shortage of specialists in Tanzania and across Africa.

Despite the rising burden of the diseases, statistics show that Africa, with a population of more than 1.4 billion people, has fewer than 20 pediatric rheumatology specialists, while Tanzania currently has only one expert in the field.

Experts describe the situation as alarming for children suffering from autoimmune and joint-related diseases.

Globally, studies indicate that rheumatic diseases, classified among rare diseases, affect between one and four out of every 1,000 children.

Speaking during the opening of the 6th Hybrid PAFLAR Congress in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Professor Francis Furia from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences said the shortage of specialists has led to delayed diagnosis and treatment for many children, worsening their conditions.

Prof Furia who is the pediatrician said that increasing the number of pediatric rheumatology experts would significantly strengthen healthcare services for children and help save the lives of many patients affected by such diseases.

“Due to these challenges, we continue emphasising the importance of increasing the number of specialists in this field. Through this sixth congress, we have provided training to resident doctors and pediatricians so they can identify symptoms early and offer timely treatment to patients,” Prof Furia said. He also commended the government for making progress in strengthening such services at the Muhimbili National Hospital.

“Tanzania has started making progress. Significant investment has been made at Muhimbili National Hospital, where these services are now being offered. Laboratories have been improved and many tests that previously had to be conducted abroad are now available,” he stressed.

He further noted that the hospital has established a special clinic for children suffering from such diseases, with more than 50 children from different regions currently receiving treatment.

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“This is an important step in ensuring these children receive the care they deserve,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the Dar es Salaam Regional Medical Officer during the opening of the congress, Dr Gunini Kamba said the government is ready to continue collaborating with various stakeholders in providing educational opportunities, including scholarships, especially in rare medical specialties.

“We encourage all those with interest and capability to come forward and pursue these specialised fields in order to help improve healthcare services in the country,” he said.

President of the Paediatric Society of the African League against Rheumatism (PAFLAR), Dr Ayodele Faleye urged African governments to support the sponsorship of general pediatricians who demonstrate interest in pediatric rheumatology. “There is a critical need to train more specialists in this field,” she underlined.