COVID-19: For more information and support on COVID-19 please visit sacoronavirus.co.za

FOR PARENTS

Are you raising a child with arthritis? You’re not alone! Click here for info, expert advice, and stories from patients and other parents.

FOR SCHOOLS

Do you have a pupil with JIA? Click here to book a school talk, get answers to FAQs, and ask for help.

FOR DOCTORS

Suspect your patient has arthritis? Click here for musculoskeletal assessment tools, referral info, and an overview of JIA in South Africa.

Welcome to Arthritis Kids South Africa

Between 19,000 and 75,000 South African children are estimated to suffer from juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The majority are undiagnosed or receiving inadequate treatment. South Africa has no patient registry and only ten paediatric rheumatologists across the whole country. The situation demands dedicated focus to ensure meaningful changes to this reality.

We exist to ensure that no child in South Africa suffers unnecessary pain and disability from undiagnosed or untreated JIA.

Would you like to help?

Some problems seem insurmountable and solving them requires complex solutions. Addressing JIA in South Africa is luckily not that kind of a problem. The gaps are clear, the solutions achievable.

But we need your help!

- Information -

Raising a child with JIA

This guide is a useful introduction to raising a child with juvenile arthritis.

Raising a child with JIA

This guide is a useful introduction to raising a child with juvenile arthritis.

Parent FAQ

Frequently asked questions about JIA and raising a child with the disease.

School FAQ

Frequently asked questions about JIA and raising a child with the disease.

Living with JIA

Beyond the meds and the doctor appointments: what is it like to raise a child with JIA?

Understanding Autoimmunity

Frequently asked questions about JIA and raising a child with the disease.

Treatments and Therapies

An overview of the medicines, therapies, and support a child with JIA may encounter.

Symptoms and Complications

Beyond the meds and the doctor appointments: what is it like to raise a child with JIA?

Flares

Your child is said to be flaring when their disease is most symptomatic.

Diet and Nutrition

An overview of the medicines, therapies, and support a child with JIA may encounter.

Why a Paediatric rheumatologist

Juvenile arthritis is distinct from adult arthritis in significant ways and requires a paediatrician to diagnose and treat.

JIA and the Flu Vaccine

Protecting your child from unnecessary infections can potentially prevent a flare of symptoms.

JIA and Chicken Pox

Chicken pox poses specific risks for children with JIA and the vaccination needs to be carefully timed.

JIA and COVID-19

How does COVID-19 impact children with JIA? What do you need to aware of?

Jeannie Cavé

A diagnosis of JIA can be overwhelming and stressful. Play therapy can help children process their emotions.

Natalie Phillips

Natalie explains what a biokineticist does and how they might help a child with JIA.

Kirby Emslie

Occupational therapy helps children with JIA who have been impacted physically to participate in daily life.

Nicky Lasch

Paediatric neuro-developmental physiotherapists have specialised training that is suited to younger children with JIA.

Michelle Crossman

Michelle was diagnosed when she was nine years old and was the inspiration to Arthritis Kids South Africa.

Catherine McCormack

I’ve been an arthritis mom since 2010 when my then two-year-old was diagnosed with JIA

Ella McCormack

In 2021 Ella is twelve and on her third biologic. She is healthy, symptom-free, and suffers no side effects.

Mkhanyiselwa's Story

Mkhanyiselwa had been sick for five months by the time he was seen, by chance, by a paediatric rheumatologist

Troy's Story

Success story: an early diagnosis, swift action by an appropriate medical specialist, and aggressive treatment.

- Interviews -

Voices of experience