Dermatologic diseases of eastern Africa

The countries of eastern Africa are deprived of the most basic of care for their skin disease. Diagnostic tools and treatment modalities that are commonplace in developed countries are at a bare minimum in these third world nations. In addition, there is a dearth of trained dermatologic specialists, especially in the arid areas of Kenya and Tanzania. The International Foundation for Dermatology was founded in 1987 in an attempt to address this vacuity in medical care. During the last 6 years, they have launched a campaign concentrated on the activation of Regional Training Centers in Africa, where students will enter a 2-year training program and graduate with the title of "Dermatology Officer" possessing those skills required to treat 80% of common skin diseases. It is hoped that this will lead to an increased awareness of skin pathology in general and the specific need for trained specialists in underserved areas. However, a lack of health care specialists is only part of the problem. Better nutrition, clean water, and the education of tribal communities are impending future goals, difficult to attain in a nation burdened with economic and political strife.