Healthcare Policies for Children with Arthritis in Nigeria and Uganda

Ngugi Mwaura J.

School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

                                                                     ABSTRACT
Childhood arthritis, primarily chronic rheumatic conditions such as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), poses significant challenges in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This review examines healthcare policies and service frameworks relevant to children with arthritis in Nigeria and Uganda, highlighting existing policy environments, specialist service availability, barriers to care, and enabling factors. Findings indicate that paediatric rheumatology remains underdeveloped, with a limited specialist workforce, inadequate diagnostic and therapeutic infrastructure, high out-of-pocket costs, and low policy prioritization. Awareness among healthcare providers and communities is also insufficient, contributing to delayed diagnosis and suboptimal management. Emerging initiatives, including regional guidelines from the Paediatric Society of the African League Against Rheumatism (PAFLAR), civil society advocacy, and integration within broader non-communicable disease frameworks, offer opportunities for improvement. Strengthening policy frameworks, expanding specialist training, enhancing service delivery, and promoting community awareness are essential to improve clinical outcomes, equitable access, and overall quality of life for children with arthritis in these low-resource settings.

Keywords: Paediatric arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, healthcare policy, Nigeria, Uganda.

CITE AS: Ngugi Mwaura J. (2026). Healthcare Policies for Children with Arthritis in Nigeria and Uganda. INOSR APPLIED SCIENCES 14(2):62-66. https://doi.org/10.59298/INOSRAS/2025/14.2.6266