Establishing paediatric endocrinology services in a limited resource country: experience from Sudan

Non-communicable diseases including paediatric endocrine disorders are becoming another health burden in the developing countries. No published data on the magnitude of the problem and pattern of cases is available from Sudan as there was no organised paediatrics endocrinology service before 2005.The objective of this study was to see the number and pattern of cases which were seen over the first 10 years in our unit which was established from scratch in 2006. Before starting the unit, a situational analysis was made, and proposal showing the objectives and needs was written. Staff was trained, equipment, investigative facilities and medication were secured gradually, management guidelines and protocols were written taking into consideration the available facilities. A unit registry was created. The unit registry and medical records of patients seen between 2006 and 2015 were reviewed. During this period a total of 7,306 cases were seen, 4,735 endocrine and 3,131 diabetics. A separate unit solely devoted to paediatric endocrinology was established, and multidisciplinary staff including 13 paediatric endocrinologists, were trained. Nationwide diabetes program was established. Research work is being done. Currently, we have started a local paediatric endocrinology fellowship program. Pediatric endocrine problems are common in Sudan. We plan to make services available, accessible and affordable in all of the states of Sudan. This needs collaboration between the government and local and international societies.