First Pediatric Musculoskeletal Infection Course Held in Addis-Abeba

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. December 5, 2023. In a groundbreaking initiative to advance pediatric healthcare in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), Ethiopia, Addis Ababa played host to the inaugural AO Alliance/CURE Children’s Hospital of Ethiopia Pediatric Musculoskeletal Infection Course, bringing together trauma and orthopedic surgeons and residents from across the country and from Kenya. The event was chaired by Drs Mohan V. Belthur from Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA, and Tim Nunn from CURE Children’s Hospital of Ethiopia.

“Pediatric musculoskeletal infections are one of the top five conditions contributing to the burden of musculoskeletal disease in children, globally. Early diagnosis, followed by adequate and appropriate care results in good outcomes, while the opposite results in poor outcomes and a high rate of sequela approaching 50% in affected children,” says Dr Belthur, a leading figure in pediatric orthopedics. Outcomes in LMICs are poor due to the many barriers to access to quality healthcare, leaving children in LMICs with a high prevalence of complications and sequelae following pediatric musculoskeletal infections.

The two-day course focused on knowledge translation to address the complexities of musculoskeletal infections in children, a critical aspect of pediatric orthopedics that demands specialized knowledge and skills.

Dr Mesfin Kassahun, faculty for the AO Alliance in Ethiopia, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This course marks a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance pediatric healthcare in Ethiopia. Musculoskeletal infections in children present unique challenges. This course is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the latest insights and techniques to provide optimal care to improve outcomes for children. The impact will be the reduced economic burden of musculoskeletal infections, allowing the children to become active members of the community they live in.”

Joining him was Dr Nunn, a seasoned expert in the field, who emphasized the importance of collaborative learning and knowledge exchange. “Our goal is not only to share expertise but to build a network of healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing pediatric musculoskeletal care. This course provides a platform for interactive discussions, case studies, and firsthand sessions, fostering a community committed to improving outcomes for young patients.”

Drs Anthony Cooper (Canada), Sarah Dorman (UK), Jim Harrison (UK), Lawrence Wicks (Ethiopia), Ashish Ranade (India), and Tewodros Zerfu (Ethiopia) comprised the rest of the faculty.

The course drew a diverse group of participants, totalling 40 attendees from various healthcare institutions in Ethiopia and neighbouring countries.

“The curriculum was comprehensive, covering a range of topics including diagnostic approaches, treatment modalities, and surgical interventions. I especially appreciated the interactive nature of the course. It encouraged active participation and facilitated networking among us peers in the health sector sharing an interest in pediatric orthopedics,” stated one of the participants, Dr Hizkyas Kassaye from Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Ethiopia.

As the first of its kind organized by the AO Alliance and CURE Children’s Hospital of Ethiopia in the region, the Pediatric Musculoskeletal Infection Course in Addis Ababa is poised to make a lasting impact on improving outcomes for young patients facing musculoskeletal infections. The success of this inaugural event sets the stage for future initiatives aimed at advancing specialized medical education in Ethiopia and beyond.

Group discussions

Participants who presented their own pediatric MSK infection cases from Ethiopia and Kenya

Drs Belthur and Nunn, co-chairs

Faculty and course participants

The faculty