Who We Are
Established in the year 1989, AFLAR has grown into a leading organization in the field of rheumatology. Our history is marked by numerous milestones in education, research, and advocacy that have significantly impacted the management of rheumatic diseases in Africa.
Our members encompass the entire rheumatology spectrum, from early-career professionals to the most senior consultants, academics, and allied health professionals within the multidisciplinary team. Together, we form a strong and unified voice for rheumatology in Africa.
We support our healthcare professionals to ensure they can provide the highest quality care for patients, enhancing the lives of children and adults with rheumatic and musculoskeletal (MSK) diseases.
What Keeps Us Going
Vision
AFLAR is dedicated to advancing programs that promote the development of rheumatology practice and education across the African continent. It envisions a future where rheumatic diseases are effectively managed and patients receive the highest standard of care, irrespective of their geographical location in Africa.
Mission
To create a unified platform for rheumatology healthcare professionals and patients with rheumatic diseases in Africa.
To pinpoint regions with insufficient rheumatological resources and enhance their capabilities.
To establish and promote the development of Rheumatology Centers of Excellence across Africa.
To encourage and develop support for rheumatology care and practice in Africa.
To conduct surveys and develop protocols for managing rheumatic diseases in Africa.
AFLAR, as the youngest, smallest member of ILAR faces many challenges in promoting Rheumatology in Africa, especially Sub-Saharan Africa.
The problems of Africa are well known but recent initiatives such as the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), conflict resolution mechanisms and global attention on Africa augur well for the future and provide an opportunity for us to make further progress in promoting Rheumatology. At the beginning of our term of office, we faced many problems in maintaining communications but there has been considerable improvement once we established personal contact with some of our colleagues.
Relationships With International Organisations
International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) : AFLAR has enjoyed the support of ILAR since its launch and the first AFLAR Congress in Cairo, Egypt in 1991. Some of the specific areas of support by ILAR are as follows:
ILAR EXCO meeting during the third AFLAR congress in Cape Town, South Africa in 1999.
The first meeting of the ILAR EXCO on the African continent took place during the AFLAR Congress in Cape Town, South Africa in 1999. The members of the ILAR EXCO also contributed to the scientific programme.
ILAR support for research on spondyloarthropathies
ILAR has provided financial support for a research project on spondyloarthropathies in North Africa. This project is being conducted in collaboration with Professor Maxime Dougados from France.
ILAR annual membership fees
The ILAR EXCO has continued to waive the Annual Fees for AFLAR. Unfortunately, the financial position of AFLAR has not improved and we are grateful to the ILAR EXCO and the other regional leagues for their understanding and support.
EULAR donation of subscriptions of the annals of the rheumatic diseases
Recently Mr Fred Wyss from EULAR confirmed further EULAR support for AFLAR. EULAR has agreed to sponsor 20 subscriptions of the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases for a period of 5 years for member countries in Africa.
ILAR Paediatric Rheumatology task force meeting
ILAR supported a request by the South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association (SARAA) to host the ILAR Paediatric Rheumatology Task Force meeting in Durban, South Africa during the SARAA Congress in 1997. An International panel of expert Paediatric Rheumatologists attended the Task Force Meeting and contributed to the SARAA Congress. The deliberations of the ILAR Paediatric Rheumatology Task Force under the chairmanship of Professor Ross Petty, led to the development of the Durban modification of the criteria for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.
ILAR Congress – Edmonton. Canada 2001
The last ILAR Congress which was held in Edmonton, Canada during August 2001 featured many of our African Rheumatologists who organised and participated in Congress Symposia.
EULAR symposium during the 4th AFLAR Congress in Morocco, March 2003
The AFLAR EXCO wishes to thank Professor Joachin Kalden and the EULAR EXCO for sponsoring a symposium during the AFLAR Congress. EULAR paid the accommodation and travel expenses for three of their members to contribute to the EULAR Symposium.
EULAR fellowships to APLAR members for the EULAR congress in Lisbon, in June 2003
EULAR provided fellowships for 3 delegates from Africa to attend the EULAR Congress in Lisbon. As a result of the generous support from EULAR, it was possible for a delegate from Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda to attend their first International Rheumatology Meeting by participating in the EULAR Congress in Lisbon.