Abstract

The International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) East Africa initiative was established in 2009 with the support of the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) and the volunteer work of rheumatologists from the international academic community to stimulate the development of clinical rheumatology in East African countries where there is a large burden of rheumatic diseases yet poor infrastructure to support the care of these conditions.

Over the past year, rheumatologists from a variety of countries have visited Nairobi, to support training programmes within this scheme. A polarising microscope has been donated and medical and technical staff trained in its use.

Two new themes have been identified for 2012. First, the development of a modular training programme with supporting teaching material - to facilitate the transfer of knowledge to local physicians. Second, a programme is being devised to identify the needs of patients and clinicians and provide appropriate support in the form of, for example, teleclinics and email consultations for difficult cases and the provision of patient information on disease and treatment, appropriate to their needs.