Call for Abstracts
The African League of Associations for Rheumatology (AFLAR), in collaboration with the Rheumatology Society of Ghana (RSG), invites clinicians, researchers, scientists, trainees, nurses, allied health professionals, public health practitioners, and patient researchers to submit abstracts for presentation at the AFLAR 2027 Congress in Accra, Ghana.
Under the theme “Innovate, Integrate, Impact: Shaping the Future of Rheumatology,” the Congress will showcase scientific discoveries, clinical advances, multidisciplinary approaches, and practical innovations that improve the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.
We particularly encourage submissions addressing disease burden, healthcare challenges, research priorities, and locally developed solutions, alongside high-quality research globally. Abstracts demonstrating scientific innovation, collaboration, equity, patient-centred care, and measurable clinical or health-system impact are especially welcome.
Authors should select the category that best represents their work:
- Immunology, genetics and genomics
- Biomarkers and precision medicine
- Novel diagnostic technologies and therapeutic targets
- Translational and laboratory-based research
- Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other systemic autoimmune diseases
- Spondyloarthritis, juvenile rheumatic diseases, gout, and osteoarthritis
- Vasculitis, inflammatory myopathies, and other rheumatic conditions
- Clinical trials, therapeutics, treatment safety, and real-world outcomes
- Disease prevalence, incidence, and clinical phenotypes
- Registries, cohorts, and longitudinal outcomes
- Environmental, genetic, and social determinants of disease
- Comorbidities, multimorbidity, and disease burden
- Early recognition and diagnostic pathways
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound and other imaging modalities
- Point-of-care testing and diagnostic innovations
- Artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and digital health solutions
- Cross-specialty and multidisciplinary models of care
- Nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy
- Rehabilitation, disability, and functional outcomes
- Mental health and integrated management of comorbidities
- Access to diagnostics, medicines, and specialist services
- Healthcare financing, policy, and advocacy
- Implementation research and quality improvement
- Rural healthcare, referral systems, and service delivery innovations
- Health-system strengthening and equitable care
- Undergraduate and postgraduate rheumatology education
- Clinical skills training, simulation, and innovative teaching methods
- Workforce development, task-sharing, and mentorship
- Training networks, centres of excellence, and institutional partnerships
- Patient-reported outcomes and quality of life
- Patient experiences, priorities, and shared decision-making
- Patient organisations, advocacy, and community awareness
- Patient engagement in research and healthcare improvement
- Patient-led and community-based research
- Original research: Clinical, basic science, epidemiological, translational, and health systems research.
- Case reports and case series: Unusual presentations, diagnostic challenges, innovative management approaches, or cases with important educational relevance.
- Quality improvement and implementation research: Evaluations of interventions, care pathways, service delivery, and health-system improvements.
- Educational innovations: Research or evaluated initiatives in clinical education, training, and capacity-building.
- Patient-centred research: Studies incorporating patient experiences, patient-reported outcomes, or patient involvement in research and care.
All submissions should demonstrate clear objectives, appropriate methodology, and relevance to rheumatology.
General Requirements
- Abstracts must be written in English.
- Maximum length: 300 words (excluding title, authors, and affiliations).
- The title should be concise and informative.
- Include all authors' names, institutional affiliations, and corresponding author's contact details.
- Define abbreviations at first use.
- Abstracts must not contain promotional or commercial material.
Required Structures
Original research, quality improvement, implementation research and educational studies:
Case reports and case series:
All abstracts will undergo scientific review by the AFLAR 2027 Scientific Committee based on:
- Scientific merit and methodological rigour.
- Originality and innovation.
- Clarity of objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.
- Relevance to the Congress theme.
- Clinical, educational, patient-centred, or health-system significance.
- Potential relevance and impact in African healthcare settings, where applicable.
High-quality research addressing practical healthcare challenges and resource-limited settings is strongly encouraged. Acceptance and allocation to oral or poster presentation will be determined by the Scientific Committee.
Research Ethics & Disclosures
- Research involving human participants must have appropriate ethical approval or exemption.
- Authors must ensure patient confidentiality and consent for case reports.
- Funding sources and conflicts of interest must be disclosed.
Presentation Formats
Accepted abstracts will be assigned to: Oral Presentation, Poster Presentation, or Moderated Poster Presentation.
Recognition & Awards
Outstanding scientific contributions will be eligible for:
- Best Oral Abstract Award
- Young Investigator Award
- Best Poster Award
- Best African Health Systems and Implementation Research Award
Presenters of accepted abstracts will receive certificates of presentation.
Ready to Present?
Once you have reviewed the guidelines and confirmed your data aligns with the Congress themes, you are ready to begin. Click below to upload your abstract for review by the Scientific Committee.
Innovate • Integrate • Impact
Shaping the Future of Rheumatology in Africa
