Progress of Rheumatology in Ethiopia
We are pleased to report on the progressive growth of rheumatology in Ethiopia, an East African country with a population of over 120 million people. Your donations and support for RFA made it possible for us to support the training of two adult and one paediatric rheumatologist in South Africa. Following their return to Ethiopia, they have helped to raise awareness of rheumatic diseases to promote early recognition and referral of patients to academic centres for specialist care.
Dr. Becky Adugna and Dr. Birhanu Desyibelew, both specialists in adult rheumatology, have been instrumental in the development of rheumatology services at the University-affiliated Tikur Anbessa Hospital in Addis Ababa. Their efforts were supported by the Department of Internal Medicine, aiming to enhance the availability and quality of care for patients with rheumatologic conditions.
They have made significant strides in both patient care and research within the field of rheumatology. The establishment of the RORDE (Registry of Rheumatic Diseases in Ethiopia) is a noteworthy accomplishment, as valuable data has already been collected on a large cohort of over 4,000 patients. This not only provides an opportunity for residents to gain hands-on experience but also offers insights into the clinical manifestations of rheumatic diseases within the Ethiopian population. The research projects are especially impactful. For example, the study on lupus flares in sub-Saharan Africa addresses an important clinical question in a region where lupus management may differ from other parts of the world due to genetic, environmental, and healthcare system factors. This study could contribute valuable knowledge to the global understanding of the disease. Similarly, the study on quality of life among rheumatoid arthritis patients at Tikur Anbessa Hospital adds depth to the understanding of how rheumatic diseases affect patients’ daily lives and overall well-being, which can be crucial in improving care strategies. They have also published several very interesting case reports.
The data collected through the registry can also be leveraged for future research projects that compare the clinical profiles of Ethiopian patients with those from other African regions or around the globe.
The work of the paediatric rheumatologist, Dr. Hanna Lishan, in Ethiopia is also remarkable. She has made significant contributions to pediatric rheumatology in a country where access to specialized care is limited. As the only pediatric rheumatologist in Ethiopia, her efforts have resulted in the establishment of a pediatric rheumatology service at the University Teaching Hospital in Addis Ababa. Providing consultative services via telephone to colleagues throughout the country allows for a broader reach, helping doctors in various regions identify and refer patients who require specialized care.
Moreover, her role in educating pediatric residents on the clinical examination and care of children with rheumatic diseases is invaluable. This kind of training ensures that future healthcare providers will be better equipped to manage such conditions, even in areas where specialized pediatric rheumatology services may not be readily available. Her involvement in the Pediatric African League Against Rheumatism (PAFLAR) and contributing to the development of recommendations for juvenile idiopathic arthritis is also a critical contribution. It reflects her dedication not only to patient care but also to improving standards and practices in pediatric rheumatology across Africa.
Celebrating Five Years of Virtual Rheumatology Training for Internists in Rwanda
We are delighted to celebrate the fifth anniversary of our Virtual Rheumatology Course in Rwanda! This course is taken by second year Internal Medicine residents from the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK). Half of the virtual course teaching faculty are from African countries while the remaining faculty are from Western Countries. African lecturers not only serve as role models but also understand the realities of practicing rheumatology in resource-limited areas. Dr Adugna and Dr Desyibelew also provide lectures for our virtual course.
Course Highlights:
- Weekly Sessions: Our sessions (n=16-17) take place once a week, providing consistent and valuable core rheumatology education.
- Resource Sharing: We utilize platforms like Canvas, an online educational platform hosted by Jefferson University) to share resources and materials with our students.
- Technology in Education: While in-person training is irreplaceable, modern technology provides unique opportunities for long distance education. Participants feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
- Educational Videos: Videos demonstrating joint examination are highly appreciated by participants.
AFLAR (African League Associations Rheumatology) MEMBERS WHATSAPP GROUP
During March 2025, in their member communication, AFLAR shone the spotlight on one of our RFA sponsored Fellows Dr Becky Adugna. Here is what they wrote about him:
Dr. Becky Abdissa Adugna is a dedicated rheumatologist and passionate advocate for improving African rheumatology care. With a strong background in internal medicine and specialized training in rheumatology, Dr. Adugna has dedicated his career to enhancing clinical knowledge and mentoring the next generation of specialists. As an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, he is deeply involved in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students. Since 2017, he has played a pivotal role in training future medical professionals, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to address the challenges of rheumatic diseases in Ethiopia and beyond. Dr. Adugna is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Ethiopian Society of Internal Medicine, the South African Rheumatology Association, and AFLAR. His commitment to AFLAR’s mission aligns with his goal of improving access to quality rheumatology care across Africa. Through his unwavering dedication to education, research, and patient care, Dr. Adugna inspires young medical professionals and researchers in Africa. We celebrate Dr. Adugna’s outstanding achievements and look forward to his continued impact in the field of rheumatology! Below is a link to his research work and publications: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Becky-Abdissa-Adugna
Thank You!!!
Dr Yewondwossen, nephrologist from Ethiopia, is stepping off the RFA board. We want to thank him for being the catalyst for the formation of RFA; and for all of his years of service and support. Dr Yewondwossen will continue to provide local support and mentorship to the 3 RFA-sponsored Ethiopian rheumatologists.
Lastly, we want to thank you the donors for your continued financial support to RFA. We cannot do this work without you!
Recent publications from Ethiopia
- Legesse, B.A., Adugna, B.A., Ayalew, Z.S. et al. Clinical characteristics and risk factors for lupus flares in sub-Saharan Africa-retrospective cross-sectional study. Clin Rheumatol. 2024; 43:2867–2875. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-024-07088-y
- Biruk Sisay, Fitsumbrhan Tajebe, Becky Abdissa et al. Upregulation of circulating soluble programmed death-1 molecule and its correlation with the disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis patients in Ethiopia, April 2024, PREPRINT (Version 1) available at Research Square [https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4281432/v1]
- Hailu ZG, Gebregiorgis BT, Wegayehu MZ, Adugna BA, Bedewi AM. Sarcoid dactylitis: A case report of rare presentation of uncommon disease, sarcoidosis-From Ethiopia. Radiol Case Rep. 2023;19(1):182-185. doi: 10.1016/j.radcr.2023.09.065.
- Tadesse YG, Mulisa MD, Beyene ET, Adugna BA. Complex case of tuberculosis lymphadenitis with concurrent Takayasu Arteritis in a 14-year-old girl from Ethiopia. Open Access Rheumatol. 2023;15:231-236. doi: 10.2147/OARRR.S438427.
- AB0159 Health related quality of life among patients with rheumatoid arthritis at Tikur Anbessa specialized Hospital. A Hospital- based cross sectional study. https://ard.bmj.com/content/83/12/e28
- Hamdi, W., Migowa, A., Ferjani, H.L. et al. Pediatric Society of the African League Against Rheumatism juvenile idiopathic arthritis recommendations for enthesitis-related arthritis and juvenile psoriatic arthritis. Clin Rheumatol. 2025; 44:901–922. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-025-07334-x
