Challenges of endocrinology practice in Nigeria: four illustrative cases

In developing countries, like Nigeria, non-communicable diseases including endocrine disorders are on the increase. However, not much attention is paid to this group of diseases because of the enormous burden posed by infections. Despite this threat, endocrine disorders still constitute a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The appropriate and gratifying practice of endocrinology requires skilled personnel, adequate investigative facilities and treatment modalities including: medical, surgical, hormonal and radiotherapy. Majority of the patients with endocrine diseases present to the non-specialists, though they make a great impact, they have their limitations. Four endocrine cases are presented here to demonstrate the challenges posed by the dearth of facilities and the non-affordability of appropriate treatment modality by the patients in most centers where endocrinology is practiced in Nigeria.