Ouagadougou: The Burkinabe Society of Rheumatology (SBR) officially opened its 5th scientific congress on Wednesday at the Bogodogo University Hospital Center in Ouagadougou, under the theme "Rheumatology and Sport". The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of the Minister of Health, Dr. Robert Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou, with the chairmanship of the Minister in charge of Sports, Annick Pikbougoum Zingue Ouattara, and was sponsored by the Ambassador for Sport of Burkina Faso, Charles Kabore.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this biennial meeting gathers rheumatologists and other health specialists from Benin, Mali, Niger, Congo, Chad, Togo, and Burkina Faso for a three-day event. Participants will engage in conferences, workshops, and round tables centered around the theme "Rheumatology and Sport", aiming to enhance continuing education, harmonize practices, and improve the management of musculoskeletal conditions.
The organizers emphasized that rheumatology is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating diseases of the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Professor Jo«lle Tiendrebeogo/Zabsonre, president of the Burkinabe Society of Rheumatology, highlighted the importance of this discipline within health systems, noting that locomotor disorders are leading causes of chronic pain and loss of mobility. She pointed out that "sport is a lever for prevention, health education, muscle strengthening, and the fight against many chronic diseases."
Dr. Robert Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou, Minister of Health, praised the initiative, stating that rheumatic diseases pose a significant public health challenge in Burkina Faso. He noted that joint pain and functional disability are not merely medical issues but also barriers to national development, underscoring the relevance of the congress's theme.
Annick Pikbougoum Zingue Ouattara, Minister in charge of Sports, commended the organizers for convening this congress. She expressed hope that the outcomes of the discussions would help shape policies to support individuals engaging in sports at all levels.
The Burkinabe Society of Rheumatology, founded in 2024, is dedicated to promoting rheumatology in Burkina Faso. It aims to improve the management of bone and joint diseases, train specialists, and raise public awareness.