WORLD SKIN HEALTH DAY – GUINEA 2022

WORLD SKIN HEALTH DAY IN GUINEA - 4th Edition

Theme: “Dermatology at the service of the community”

A. Background:

The purpose of the World Skin Health Day (WSHD) is to recognize and promote skin health in the world. In stemmed in 2012 from the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) and the International Society of Dermatology (ISD) and there have been several official WSHD activities in countries worldwide, totalling a reach of more than 11 million people.Around the world, members of the ILDS and ISD undertake activities to recognize and promote skin health; including Screening clinics, care activities, public seminars, marches and social media campaigns, the campaign has a global reach. Taking part in WSHD helps raise awareness of the wider impact of skin diseases, as well as supporting people in need of treatment in their communities local.

B. Why skin health?

Skin diseases are one of the most common human diseases. The 11th revision of the WHO International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) includes more than 2,000 skin diseases or related to the skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are in fact more than 3,000 diseases of skin and the dermatologist is in charge of the management of these pathologies. It permeates all cultures, occurs at all ages and affects between 30% and 70% of individuals, with even higher rates in at-risk subpopulations (Hay R, Bendeck SE, Chen S, et al 2014). However, skin conditions and diseases are often ignored or given low priority by health authorities because they do not, on the whole, kill people (WHO 2005). Skin diseases also have a serious impact on people's quality of life, leading to loss of productivity at work and school, and discrimination due to disfigurement. In many regions of the world, people with skin conditions do not have access to support and adequate treatment. In view of this, the ILDS and ISD initiated the WSHD initiatie to help raise awareness and better understand skin diseases. During these days, the communities of areas underserved in management of dermatoses are provided with adequate skin care free of charge.

C. About-

The International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS): The International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) is a non-governmental organization that promotes the improvement of skin care, education and science throughout the world. It brings together more than 190 member companies from more than 80 countries. The ILDS has access to the experience of over 200 000 dermatologists. We celebrate and share the wide range of approaches to health and disease of the skin that exist in the world.-The International Society of Dermatology (ISD) was founded in 1959. The organization was initially the "Society Association of Tropical Dermatology". The Society was then particularly interested in the dermatology world and tropical skin diseases, but since covers also all aspects of dermatology such as basic sciences, venereology and public health and to teaching dermatology in developing countries.-Dermatological Clinic: The mission of the Dermatological Clinic is to provide adequate dermatological care that contribute to improving the quality of life of patients. It allows quick consultations and affordable as well as accurate diagnoses and treatment plans via a web and mobile platform secured with an autonomous and affordable payment option. Various barriers limiting access to Dermatologist consultations are then eliminated.

D. Our past activities in Guinea:-

1st Edition: Congresses and skin care activities for the community of the Loos islands (KASSA). More than 500 people received free skin care with distribution of medicines. Our activities were highlighted in the 2020 ISD Journal on page 19 (See Attachment: ISD connections Vol. 15, No. 1 • Spring 2021).- 2nd Edition: Congresses and skin care activities for people living with albinism at the city of solidarity next to the John Paul II hospital. 277 albinos received care with treatment of pre-cancerous lesions using trichloroacetic acid and the free distribution of sunscreen that we received from our partner INOYAH. These activities have been highlighted on the site of ILDS and in the ISD newsletter. For ILDS media coverage, click on this link: https://ilds.org/news/wshd-infocus-guinea-2021/ for ISD, see attached document: “ISD Connection Vol. 15, No. 2 • Fall 2021” on page 15- 3rd Edition: Congress and skin care for the community of the islands of Loos (KASSA). Available at month of September on the ILDS and ISD sites. However, all presentations provided byour excellent speakers during this congress are housed on a platform whose access is free.The platform link: https://global-dermatology.com Simply click on this link and register for free to access this excellent educational content.