About ARSK
The Arthrheuma Society of Kenya (ARSK) a scientific, non-profit organization that was formed in 2012, at a time when the practice of rheumatology was at it’s infancy stage. Over the years, the specialty has grown in terms of human resource, clinical practice, training and research capacity. Its members constitute of rheumatologists, practicing physicians, general practitioners, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and patients with rheumatic diseases.
The ARSK holds Biannual Scientific Meetings which provide a platform to share knowledge on the prevention and treatment of rheumatic diseases. These meetings engage hundreds of rheumatologists, doctors and allied health workers from Kenya as well as from the rest of the world.
Our mission
Advancing the practice of rheumatology in Kenya, in areas of clinical practice, academics and research
Our vision
To grow the field in clinical practice and academics to reach every part of our country
Our values
Professionalism
Integrity
Patient-centric
Inclusiveness
Human dignity
AIMS
The ARSK aims to reduce the burden of rheumatic diseases on individuals. The society hopes to achieve these by sharing knowledge on rheumatic diseases so that the treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of rheumatic diseases can be improved.
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To promote the study of rheumatic diseases in training programs across the country
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To address problems related to the specialty and to come up with homegrown solutions that cover the Kenyan population
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To defend the general interests of rheumatology as specialty within medicine.
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To advocate for the recognition of the needs of patients with rheumatic diseases
Training
Medical teaching is another key aspect of our scientific society. We organize and develop a wide range of training courses (over 10 per year) to update the knowledge of Kenyans working in the medical field including rheumatologists, physicians, doctors, nurses and physiotherapists. The Biannual National Congress and the the monthly rheumatology grand rounds are also key training opportunities, which bring together over 100 health care professionals across Kenya. It is estimated that about 100 health care professionals are annually trained in, on-site and other online courses.
PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES
UWEZO project- A collaboration between UK, Swedish and Kenyan rheumatologists with an aim to advance the access to rheumatology care across Kenya. In addition, the project trains local healthcare workers with basic skills in identifying and musculoskeletal disorders before referring to the rheumatologists.
COPCORD study- A stage 1 study to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in Nairobi Province. This was a first of its kind, population based study which found that rheumatic pain was present at a point prevalence of 12%
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY: This is domiciled in Nairobi, Kenya. It functions as a publishing platform for rheumatology articles and research papers by practitioners across the continent.
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PATIENT AND CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
In recent years, we have been implementing a new course of action to improve the care and quality of life of patients suffering from rheumatic diseases. We have advocated for formation of patient support groups for those with Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Fibromyalgia. Through the UWEZO foundation, we have organized educational forums for both healthcare professionals and patients.
