Abstract

Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is an emerging public health issue in West 
Africa, with its rising prevalence significantly impacting individuals' quality of life and productivity. Despite the 
growing burden, arthritis management remains under-integrated into primary healthcare (PHC) systems in the 
region, which is primarily due to challenges such as limited healthcare resources, cultural misconceptions, and 
inadequate healthcare infrastructure. This narrative review examines the current state of arthritis management in 
West Africa, identifying barriers to effective care and exploring strategies for integration into PHC systems. Key 
challenges include a shortage of trained healthcare providers, limited access to essential diagnostic tools, and cultural 
beliefs that delay diagnosis and treatment. However, opportunities for improvement exist through enhanced 
healthcare worker training, the adoption of multidisciplinary care approaches, community education, and the use of 
telemedicine to extend care to remote areas. Policy-level changes, increased healthcare funding, and research into 
local epidemiology and effective interventions are essential to improve the management of arthritis in West Africa.