Health Disparities in Rheumatic Diseases: Understanding Global Challenges in Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Asia and Proposing Strategies for Improvement

Abstract

Rheumatic diseases reach across continents with some similarities as well as unique challenges. The intersection between genetic factors, environmental exposures and socioeconomic factors, as well as challenges, with delays in access to subspecialty care and medications, manifest in different ways. By understanding both the challenges and successes in different countries, while also recognizing the significant diversity both within and across continents, unified strategies to improve rheumatic disease outcomes and decrease disparities among the most vulnerable groups can be developed and disseminated.

Keywords: Africa; Asia, Disparities; Europe; Latin America; Rheumatic diseases.