The Impact and Successes of a Paediatric Endocrinology Fellowship Program in Africa

Abstract

Background. The prevalence and distribution of endocrine disorders in children in Africa are not well known because most cases are often undiagnosed or diagnosed too late. The awareness of this led to the launch of the Paediatric Endocrinology Training Center for Africa (PETCA) designed to improve quality and access to health care by training paediatricians from Africa in paediatric endocrinology. Methods. The fellowship is undertaken over an 18-month period: six months of clinical and theoretical training in Kenya, nine months of project research at the fellow's home country, and three months of consolidation in Kenya. Upon completion, certified paediatricians are expected to set up centers of excellence. Results. There have been two phases, phase I from January 2008 to October 2012 and phase II from January 2012 to April 2015. Fifty-four fellows from 12 African countries have been certified, 34 (phase I) and 20 (phase II). Over 1,000 patients with wide ranging diabetes and endocrine disorders have been diagnosed and treated and are being followed up at the centers of excellence. Conclusion. The successes of the PETCA initiative demonstrate the impact a capacity building and knowledge transfer model can have on people in resource-poor settings using limited resources.

Postgraduate Medical Education in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review Spanning 26 Years and Lessons Learned

“…11,48,64,66,[101][102][103][104][105][106][107] Programs discussed the need for international partners to help train an initial critical mass of specialists, including faculty, and ensure that curricula prepared graduates to serve as leaders, teachers, and supervisors in these disciplines. 11,48,[64][65][66]108,109 Resources and Financing of PGME Programs reported on suboptimal resources for training, including accommodations, transportation, electricity, safe drinking water, and access to good quality food. 35,61 Programs also reported on suboptimal conditions in health facilities, including inadequately maintained equipment, unreliable drug supplies, and inconsistent availability of laboratory and radiology services.…”

Incidence of disorders of sexual development in neonates in Ghana: prospective study

“…As a consequence, DSDs are rarely noted at birth, which leads to delayed diagnosis and management of DSDs. However, over the past 10 years, capacity in paediatric endocrinology has increased markedly in sub-Saharan Africa thanks to the Paediatric Endocrinology Training Centres for Africa 5. This has led to earlier recognition and better management of patients with paediatric endocrine conditions and to improved education of health professionals, including midwives 5 6…”

Insights from the WHO and National Lists of Essential Medicines: Focus on Pediatric Diabetes Care in Africa

“…Due to the success of this initiative, capacity building has progressed markedly in sub-Saharan Africa over the last 10 years. More than 70 pediatric endocrinologists have attended the program and many are now actively practicing in their field of expertise [35]. During the first 5 years of PETCA, almost 1,400 patients were evaluated and treated [35].…”

“…More than 70 pediatric endocrinologists have attended the program and many are now actively practicing in their field of expertise [35]. During the first 5 years of PETCA, almost 1,400 patients were evaluated and treated [35]. Very often, PETCA graduates were the first pediatric endocrinologists in their country.…”