A united effort to address Africa’s dermatology gap and access to medication
A regional alliance dedicated to improving the lives of millions of people affected by psoriasis has been launched in Africa. PsorAfrica brings together patient organisations, healthcare professionals and advocates from across the continent to strengthen support, increase awareness and drive policy change for better access to treatment.
PsorAfrica has been formed in response to the widespread challenges faced by people living with psoriatic disease in Africa, including misdiagnosis, lack of access to treatment, high medication costs and social stigma.
A critical issue across the continent is the severe shortage of dermatologists, with some countries having fewer than one dermatologist per million people. In many sub-Saharan African countries, the ratio ranges from 0 to 3 dermatologists per million people. This extreme shortage leads to delayed diagnosis, mismanagement of the disease and a lack of awareness among healthcare providers.
Psoriatic disease is a systemic inflammatory disease linked to several serious health risks. People with psoriasis have a higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome due to chronic inflammation. It is also associated with psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain and stiffness, often leading to disability if untreated.
Additionally, psoriatic disease increases the risk of mental health disorders including depression and anxiety, due to the stigma and emotional burden of living with the condition.
PsorAfrica’s primary goals include ensuring equitable access to life-changing treatments, promoting research and data collection to highlight the burden of psoriasis in Africa, and collaborating with international organisations such as the International Federation of Psoriatic Disease Associations (IFPA) to align its efforts with global best practices.
PsorAfrica will work with national governments, regulatory bodies and pharmaceutical companies to reduce the barriers to effective medication, including cost, availability and policy restrictions.
The non-profit organisation will also advocate for better training for general practitioners and nurses, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to diagnose and manage psoriasis in areas where dermatologists are scarce.
“Millions of Africans living with psoriasis struggle in silence due to stigma and limited access to treatment,” says Pierre Habiyaremye, chairperson of PsorAfrica. “By joining forces across the continent, we can push for policy reforms and advocate for affordable medication, and ensure patients with psoriatic disease get the support they need.”
PsorAfrica has called upon governments, healthcare providers, researchers and the public to support its mission aimed at ensuring every patient has access to the care and dignity they deserve.
Image credit: IFPA
