Improving Early Diagnosis and Management of Arthritis: The Role of Training Healthcare Providers in West Africa

Arionget Jemima

Department of Pharmacoepidemeology Kampala International University Uganda

Email: jemima.arionget@studwc.kiu.ac.ug

ABSTRACT

Arthritis is a leading cause of chronic pain, disability, and reduced quality of life globally, with West Africa facing significant challenges in early diagnosis and effective management. Limited healthcare infrastructure, shortage of trained personnel, and low awareness of musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare providers and communities contribute to delayed detection and suboptimal care. This review highlights the critical role of healthcare provider training in improving early diagnosis and management of arthritis in West Africa. It examines the regional burden of arthritis, gaps in clinical practice, and the impact of targeted capacity-building initiatives, including continuing medical education, interdisciplinary training, task-shifting, and digital learning platforms. Policy recommendations emphasize integrating arthritis care into national non-communicable disease frameworks, establishing regional centers of excellence, fostering partnerships with international rheumatology associations, and promoting public awareness campaigns. Strengthening provider competencies through these strategies can enhance timely diagnosis, optimize patient outcomes, reduce disability, and support sustainable health system improvements. Investing in workforce training is therefore pivotal for mitigating the growing burden of arthritis and improving quality of life in West African populations.

Keywords: Arthritis, West Africa, Early Diagnosis, Healthcare Provider Training, Musculoskeletal Disorders.

CITE AS: Arionget Jemima (2026). Improving Early Diagnosis and Management of Arthritis: The Role of Training Healthcare Providers in West Africa. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES 6(1):8-12. https://doi.org/10.59298/RIJSES/2026/61812