Dermatology
— filling the care deficit —
Train health professionals, develop diagnosis and participate in prevention of social and health risks for people with albinism : the Pierre Fabre Foundation contributes to filling the gap for the management of skin diseases in Africa.
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Skin diseases are among the first reasons people seek medical consultation in emerging countries, but they are difficult to treat due to the lack of medicalstaff training in peripheral health centres in these “non-priority” pathologies, the complications of which can nevertheless be severe if not promptly treated. For example, impetigo can lead to kidney failure.
This challenge is coupled with a marked lack of dermatologists, forcing patients to make long and expensive trips to seek medical advice in major urban areas. These ailments, the leading reasons behind medical consultations, are often treated in peripheral centres that suffer from a severe lack of specialists and personnel little-trained in non-priority diseases. This situation is of great concern, especially as the populations have a genuine need.
These circumstances led the Fondation Pierre Fabre to invest in the field of teledermatology with a twofold commitment: training healthcare workers to treat the most common diseases and providing the technical capacities needed to entrust the more difficult cases to specialists.
At the same time, the Foundation works to prevent and manage the social and health risks of people with albinism, a population that is particularly exposed to the risk of skin cancers and that also suffers from ophthalmic problems that compromise their access to education and their economic integration. The Pierre Fabre Foundation’s activities in favour of people with albinism are structured in a global approach that goes beyond the medical aspects and covers psychosocial support for patients and information for the population.
The projects supported by the Foundation include a component on the local production of sun protection ointment, whose formula was developed pro bono by Pierre Fabre Laboratories and specifically adapted to the context of sub-Saharan Africa.
OUR PROGRAMMES
Preventing skin cancers due to albinism
Skin cancer is a major risk for albinos, but the number of dermatologists in Africa is far insufficient. The Foundation takes action.
Prevention and early management of skin cancer for people with albinism
Skin cancer is a major risk for albinos, but the number of dermatologists in Africa is far insufficient. The Foundation takes action.
Creation of a national teledermatology service
Mali, faced with a regional dermatologist shortage, is assessing the feasibility of a telemedicine programme. Objectives: improve healthcare and create a true communications network.
Prevention and treatment of skin diseases among people living with albinism
Burkina Faso has 27 dermatologists for 19.5 million inhabitants. The Foundation sets up medical caravans for the education of people with albinism, access to diagnosis and treatment of skin lesions.
Skin cancer prevention and treatment in people with albinism
The Fondation Pierre Fabre and its local partners are taking action to prevent and treat the skin cancers leading to the premature deaths of patients in the country.
Teledermatology implemented in Mauritania
Mauritania has 15 dermatologists serving four million inhabitants spread across a vast area, making it difficult for people to access dermatological care.
Implementation of the Téléder Togo teledermatology programme
The Téléder Togo programme funded by the Fondation Pierre Fabre provides technical and human resources to improve diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases at peripheral health structures through use of new technologies.
Prevention and treatment for people with albinism
Implementation of a treatment pathway to help people with albinism in Côte d’Ivoire was initiated via the Fondation Pierre Fabre’s call for projects presented at the second African Teledermatology Conference in 2019.
Implementing teledermatology – E-Dermato Niger
Following the projects rolled out in Mali, Mauritania and Togo, E-Dermato Niger intends to promote access to dermatological treatment for rural populations living far from major urban centres where most specialists are located.
Improving protection, prevention and access to health care for people with albinism in sub-Saharan Africa
The project aims to strengthen 8 albinism organizations in Côte d'Ivoire, Uganda, Niger, DRC and Madagascar, and improve the referral of people with albinism to holistic care adapted to their specific needs.
Improving management of noma
Appalled by the ravages of noma, the Enfants du Noma (Children of Noma) association has been giving Burkinabe children affected by the disease new faces. The Foundation began supporting this mission in 2015.
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Design of new awareness-raising and information materials on albinism
As part of the APPASAAS project, the Fondation Pierre Fabre is contributing to the dissemination of appropriate educational information to improve the protection, inclusion, and care of persons with albinism in sub-Saharan Africa. There is still a need to raise awareness of this genetic condition to promote best protection practices, improve access to healthcare and rights, and dispel myths and misconceptions.