DAR ES SALAAM, May 16 -- 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 Cong...