The Rheumatology Initiative (tRi) has unveiled a groundbreaking digital health innovation — RheumaConnect, a mobile app set to revolutionize how people in Ghana access rheumatology care, information, and support.
The launch, held in Accra to mark World Arthritis Day 2025 under the global theme “It’s Not Just Joint Pain,” drew policymakers, medical professionals, and patient advocates from across the country.
Together, they spotlighted the growing burden of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and Ghana’s rising leadership in addressing this often-overlooked health challenge.
Rheumatology: A Hidden Public Health Challenge
Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases — such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, and vasculitis — are increasingly recognized as a major cause of pain, disability, and lost productivity in Ghana, particularly among women in their most productive years.
Globally, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 74% of deaths, with rheumatic conditions now ranking as the sixth leading cause of years lived with disability. Yet these conditions rarely feature in national health policies or NCD strategies.
“Many patients face long delays before diagnosis, limited access to specialists, and high treatment costs that lead to avoidable disability,” noted speakers at the event.
“Rheumatology Is Not a Luxury” — Prof. Alfred Yawson
Provost of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Ghana, Prof. Alfred Yawson, called for a national policy response that places rheumatology firmly within Ghana’s NCD framework.
“Rheumatology is not a luxury — it is central to chronic disease care, disability prevention, and national productivity,”
said Prof. Yawson. “We must ensure early detection, access to care, and protection for patients.”
Innovation Meets Compassion: The RheumaConnect App
Developed under the leadership of Prof. Dzifa Dey, founder of tRi, RheumaConnect combines cutting-edge technology with patient-centered care.
The app allows users to:
- Track symptoms and receive medication reminders
- Access educational materials and join peer support groups
- Connect directly with rheumatologists and trained healthcare providers
- Share anonymized health data to inform research and guide national policy
Beyond patients, the app serves as a training and referral hub for healthcare workers, helping primary care doctors recognize early signs of disease and streamline referrals — a crucial step in preventing long-term disability.
“RheumaConnect is more than an app — it’s a bridge between innovation and compassion,” said Prof. Dey. “It brings us closer to a future where no one living with rheumatic disease feels invisible.”
Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings: “Advocacy Must Continue”
Guest of honour Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings commended tRi’s efforts to raise national awareness about rheumatic diseases, calling for sustained advocacy and inclusion within health insurance and national care plans.
“We cannot ignore the growing impact of rheumatic diseases on our workforce and families,” she said.
“They must be recognized within our national health and Mahama Care plans. Advocacy must continue — even if at first you are the lone voice.”
Ghana’s Leadership in Research and Training
Ghana’s Rheumatology Unit at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital continues to lead regional research on autoimmune diseases, gender equity in care, and locally adapted treatment approaches.
Through partnerships with AFLAR (African League of Associations for Rheumatology) and EULAR (European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology), Ghana is positioning itself as a hub for rheumatology innovation and training in Africa.
However, with only three rheumatologists serving over 30 million people, experts stressed the urgent need to train more specialists, expand diagnostic capacity, and include autoimmune diseases under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
A Call to Action
Participants at the event issued a collective appeal for Ghana to:
- Recognize rheumatology as a national health priority within the NCD framework.
- Invest in specialist training, diagnostics, and affordable medicines.
- Integrate early detection and referral systems into primary healthcare.
“A Movement for Equity, Awareness, and Hope”
Closing the event, Prof. Dzifa Dey emphasized that rheumatology is not just a medical field but a movement for equity, awareness, and hope.
“This is more than a campaign; it’s a call for justice and compassion,” she said.
“With RheumaConnect, we’re transforming how care is delivered — and how lives are valued.”
With the launch of RheumaConnect, Ghana takes a bold step toward a future where every person living with a rheumatic condition can access the care, knowledge, and dignity they deserve.