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Establishing paediatric endocrinology services in a limited resource country: experience from Sudan
Mohamed Ahmed Abdullah1, Ghada H A Elhassan2
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Sudan.
Insights
Paediatric endocrine disorders present a growing health challenge in developing nations. This study details the establishment and initial decade of a paediatric endocrinology unit in Sudan, addressing a critical data gap.
Area of Science:
- Paediatric endocrinology
- Public health in developing countries
- Non-communicable diseases
Background:
- Non-communicable diseases, including paediatric endocrine disorders, are an increasing health burden in developing countries.
- Limited published data exists on the prevalence and patterns of paediatric endocrine cases in Sudan prior to 2005.
- The absence of an organized paediatric endocrinology service before 2005 highlighted a significant gap in healthcare provision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the number and patterns of paediatric endocrine and diabetic cases seen over the first ten years of a newly established unit in Sudan.
- To assess the development and impact of a dedicated paediatric endocrinology service created from inception.
- To provide foundational data for future healthcare planning and resource allocation in paediatric endocrinology within Sudan.
Main Methods:
- A situational analysis and needs assessment were conducted prior to unit establishment.
- Development involved staff training, securing equipment and medications, and creating management guidelines.
- Data was collected retrospectively from a unit registry and patient medical records from 2006 to 2015.
Main Results:
- A total of 7,306 cases were managed between 2006 and 2015, comprising 4,735 endocrine and 3,131 diabetic cases.
- A dedicated paediatric endocrinology unit was successfully established with trained multidisciplinary staff, including 13 paediatric endocrinologists.
- A nationwide diabetes program was initiated, and research activities commenced, alongside the development of a local fellowship program.
Conclusions:
- Paediatric endocrine and diabetic problems are prevalent in Sudan, necessitating specialized services.
- The established unit has successfully addressed a critical healthcare need, providing a foundation for further development.
- Future efforts should focus on making paediatric endocrinology services available, accessible, and affordable across all Sudanese states through collaborative partnerships.
Abstract:
Non-communicable diseases including paediatric endocrine disorders are becoming another health burden in the developing countries. No published data on the magnitude of the problem and pattern of cases is available from Sudan as there was no organised paediatrics endocrinology service before 2005.The objective of this study was to see the number and pattern of cases which were seen over the first 10 years in our unit which was established from scratch in 2006. Before starting the unit, a situational analysis was made, and proposal showing the objectives and needs was written. Staff was trained, equipment, investigative facilities and medication were secured gradually, management guidelines and protocols were written taking into consideration the available facilities. A unit registry was created. The unit registry and medical records of patients seen between 2006 and 2015 were reviewed. During this period a total of 7,306 cases were seen, 4,735 endocrine and 3,131 diabetics. A separate unit solely devoted to paediatric endocrinology was established, and multidisciplinary staff including 13 paediatric endocrinologists, were trained. Nationwide diabetes program was established. Research work is being done. Currently, we have started a local paediatric endocrinology fellowship program. Pediatric endocrine problems are common in Sudan. We plan to make services available, accessible and affordable in all of the states of Sudan. This needs collaboration between the government and local and international societies.
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