South Africa's 2024 Health Plan: Catching and Controlling Axial Spondylarthritis Early

In 2024, South Africa introduced new healthcare guidelines to tackle axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), a sneaky condition that's hard to spot. Early detection is crucial, but axSpA often gets overlooked or misdiagnosed. The new plan provides healthcare professionals with specific tools, like tests and imaging techniques, to catch the condition early. Successfully managing axSpA requires a team effort, with a focus on healthy habits.This includes regular exercise, giving up smoking, and mental health support. The guidelines recommend using the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) to monitor the disease's progress. They also emphasize a clear treatment path and remind healthcare workers to consider other health issues, as well as ensuring patients are up-to-date with their vaccinations.