In the bustling corridors of Nairobi’s medical community, Dr. Angela Migowa’s radiant smile stands as a beacon of hope for families facing childhood arthritis. More than just a physical expression, her smile brings joy and optimism to those around her, reflecting her deep compassion and love for the children she serves.
As a pioneering pediatric rheumatologist, her journey from the shores of Lake Victoria to the forefront of African medicine showcases the power of dedication and vision in transforming healthcare.
Born where Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda converge, Dr. Migowa’s path to medicine was shaped by personal experience. “My parents tell me that from the age of nine, I would keep saying I would be a doctor,” she recalls, a dream further crystallized by watching her younger brother’s struggle with asthma.
Her early education at Consolata Nursery and Primary School, followed by Kianda High School and medical school at the University of Nairobi, laid the foundation for her remarkable career. However, it was the loss of a 12-year-old lupus patient during her Master’s in Pediatrics at Aga Khan University that guided her toward paediatric rheumatology.
This pivotal experience ultimately led her to McGill University, where she met Dr. Ines Colmegna, an Argentinian rheumatologist who became a crucial mentor. Dr. Migowa is currently pursuing her PhD, focusing on addressing the diagnostic challenges of paediatric rheumatic diseases in Kenya. The statistics she shares are sobering.
“Over 90% of childhood arthritis cases are not reported,” Dr. Migowa reveals, underscoring the urgent need for greater awareness and intervention. Childhood arthritis is often overlooked, overshadowed by the misconception that it only affects the elderly. Yet, for children living with arthritis, each day is a struggle with pain and the social stigma that accompanies it.
The lack of understanding and awareness surrounding childhood arthritis exacerbates these challenges, leaving many children to suffer in silence. The shortage of specialists further compounds the issue.
“There are only 15 paediatric rheumatologists in all of Africa. I have treated patients from all over East and Central Africa, and even had cases from Guinea-Bissau and a patient who travelled all the way from the UK,” she explains, underscoring the severe shortage of specialists in the field.
The scope of the problem becomes even clearer when she states, “We need at least 160 specialists in Kenya alone.” To bridge this massive gap, Dr. Migowa has turned to modern solutions, leveraging social media as a powerful tool to raise awareness about childhood arthritis and its impact on families.
In a significant move, Dr. Migowa recently launched her Strategic Plan through her advocacy vehicle, the Hope Arthritis Foundation, which she established in July 2022. The comprehensive plan outlines five key objectives: conducting awareness campaigns and advocating for supportive policies to prioritize childhood arthritis; facilitating research collaborations and supporting initiatives for innovative care solutions; developing affordable and sustainable funding models; implementing health promotion and prevention programs; and promoting early detection and diagnosis through screening programs and educational initiatives.
Since 2023, the Foundation has made significant strides by offering masterclasses and boot camps designed to train parents, caregivers, and healthcare workers in identifying the early signs of rheumatological diseases, including childhood arthritis.
“Knowledge is power,” Dr. Migowa emphasizes. “When guardians are empowered, they will know when to seek help and what should be done to support their children.”
To continue raising awareness about childhood arthritis, Dr. Migowa also holds workshops where children can express their feelings about living with the condition. She moderates sessions with parents of these children, using interactive methods such as card games and colorful spinning wheels to engage them in discussions about their pain.
“This approach allows the children to express themselves more freely and communicate their feelings in a fun and interactive manner. The workshops empower children to share their personal stories in a supportive setting,” she explained.
As the founding president of the Pediatric Society of the African League Against Rheumatism (PAFLAR), established in September 2019, Dr. Migowa has been instrumental in advancing pediatric rheumatology across the African continent.
Under her leadership, PAFLAR has achieved remarkable milestones, from establishing working groups to launching a childhood arthritis registry.
Her recent participation in the 2024 PAFLAR Congress in Tunis, Tunisia, reinforced her optimistic vision for the future.
“It was a dream come true to see Africa unite in its mission to advocate for better care for children with arthritis on the continent,” she reflects.
“The zeal and passion of the participants and speakers from across the globe, irrespective of our diverse backgrounds and cultures, was gratifying. I am now more convinced than ever that the mission shall continue.”
Her vision for the future of childhood arthritis in Africa is both ambitious and inspiring.
“Africa shall be the bedrock of innovation, the hub for human resources and skills. PAFLAR will be at the forefront of defining economic, research, and healthcare priorities for pediatric rheumatology patients,” she predicts.
Her ultimate goal is to build a fully equipped and staffed Center of Excellence for Childhood Arthritis Care.
Dr. Migowa is particularly enthusiastic about recent innovations in her field, such as therapeutic patient education, immune therapies, and immunometabolics. She explains, “Therapeutic patient education empowers patients to take ownership of their disease and actively manage their treatment.” She believes that immune therapies and immunometabolics offer promising avenues for targeted and precision medicine.
She credits her success to her curiosity, focus, diligence, persistence, patience, and networking skills. “These qualities have been instrumental in my journey and achievements,” she acknowledges. They have also provided her with a platform to raise awareness about childhood arthritis and to highlight the experiences of women in academia, science, and health.
By Ruth Were and KBC Digital