4th African Dermatology Conference: Strengthening Cooperation and Expertise to Advance Dermatology in Africa
13/10/2026
On September 14 and 15, 2026, the Fondation Pierre Fabre and SOTODERM (Togolese Society of Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Infections) organized the 4th African Dermatology Conference in Lomé, Togo. This scientific conference brought together 160 healthcare professionals from 22 countries—including 18 African nations—around a common goal: to achieve sustainable improvements in the management of dermatological diseases across the continent.
A Scientific Conference in Support of African Dermatology
First held in Bamako in 2017, then in Lomé in 2019 and in Abidjan in 2022, the African Dermatology Conference is part of the Fondation Pierre Fabre’s commitment to strengthening the capabilities of healthcare professionals and fostering the development of dermatological expertise tailored to on-the-ground realities to ensure high-quality care
In light of the ongoing needs regarding the diagnosis and management of skin diseases, these conferences provide a unique forum for dialogue among dermatologists, physicians in training, healthcare professionals, representatives of international organizations, and institutional partners.
This fourth edition brought together representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), leaders of dermatology societies, and stakeholders working to strengthen international cooperation and improve the management of skin diseases. The opening ceremony was also attended by Mr. Jean-Marie Tessi, Minister of Health, Public Hygiene, Universal Health Coverage, and Insurance.
Beyond knowledge sharing, the conference aims to strengthen professional networks, encourage collaboration, and develop concrete solutions to skin health challenges in Africa.
From Resolution to Action
The sessions addressed several major challenges for the future of dermatology: the implementation of Resolution WHA78.15, adopted by the WHO in 2025, which recognizes skin diseases as a global public health priority; the contributions of artificial intelligence to dermatological diagnosis; and the development of tele-expertise to improve access to specialized care. Initiatives in Togo, Mauritania, and Mongolia demonstrated its potential. Finally, the role of the ILDS in strengthening international scientific cooperation was highlighted through a call for the implementation of the resolution as well as the establishment of an international working group dedicated to its implementation
A Focus on Hands-On Training
In line with the Fondation Pierre Fabre’s mission to strengthen local expertise, this conference placed a strong emphasis on hands-on training in response to the needs expressed by dermatologists.
Four workshops enabled participants to deepen their knowledge and develop their skills in key areas:
- Dermatologic surgery, to strengthen the technical skills needed to manage certain skin conditions.
- Dermoscopy, to improve the observation of lesions and contribute to diagnostic accuracy.
- Dermatopathology, to deepen the analysis of skin tissue and strengthen diagnostic skills.
- Clinical research, to support professionals in conducting studies and leveraging data derived from clinical practice and African realities.
Strengthening a Pan-African Dermatology Network
The participation of professionals from 18 African countries underscores the continental scope of this meeting and the importance of sharing experiences among dermatology professionals.
These exchanges helped bring medical communities closer together, promote the sharing of knowledge, and foster new collaborations in training, research, and innovation. They are part of a broader effort to establish a pan-African network for dermatology and dermatopathology.
A Collective Effort to Continue
Through this 4th African Dermatology Conference, the Fondation Pierre Fabre and SOTODERM reaffirm their commitment to making dermatology more accessible, with better-trained professionals and greater integration into public health issues.
The conference served as a prelude to SOTODERM’s scientific sessions, which took over following the conference, thereby helping to extend the dialogue within the Togolese and African dermatology communities.
By promoting training, innovation, clinical research, and cooperation among professionals, the African Dermatology Conference contributes to a shared goal: to advance knowledge in a sustainable manner for improved diagnosis and high-quality care of skin diseases in Africa, for the benefit of patients.
