Rheumatic Diseases in Libya

Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) represent a significant burden in Libya. Certain conditions, including systemic lupus erythematosus, Behçet disease, and familial Mediterranean fever, appear more prevalent than in Western countries, while polymyalgia rheumatica and spondyloarthritis appear less common. Epidemiological data remain scarce due to the absence of a national RMD registry. Rheumatology services began in the early 1990s and have since expanded to include adult and pediatric departments in Tripoli and Benghazi. The Libyan Rheumatology Society plays a central role in education and specialty development since its founding in 2002. Despite these advances, the ongoing political instability following the 2011 revolution has severely disrupted healthcare infrastructure, contributed to a significant brain drain of rheumatologists, and prevented the establishment of formal training programs, national screening initiatives, and accredited centers of excellence. Key genetic diagnostic tests remain unavailable locally. Access to biologic therapies is confined to a few major cities, requiring patients from other regions to travel for treatment. Political stabilization and targeted investment in rheumatology infrastructure, training, and research are essential to improving outcomes for RMD patients in Libya.