Skin Foundation Africa expands dermatology programs across continent

Image by Darwinek via Wikimedia Commons

Skin Foundation Africa, a Ghana-based non-profit group, is expanding its dermatology programs across the African continent to address persistent gaps in skin health services and education. The foundation’s approach highlights skin disease as a public health concern and aims to build local capacity for sustainable, evidence-driven care. The group was established by Dr. Kofi Ansah Brifo, a dermatologist who continues to support the organization’s mission as it evolves.

The organization’s efforts are built on five pillars: education, awareness, advocacy, research, and humanitarian support. Interdisciplinary teams within the group conduct dermatology education in schools and communities, utilize digital platforms, and implement media strategies to promote accurate information about common skin conditions. Awareness campaigns address challenges such as steroid misuse, skin bleaching, pigmentation disorders, and acne, while encouraging safe, evidence-based approaches to skin and hair care.

In a news article, Skin Foundation Africa reports that policy advocacy remains a priority. The foundation works with policymakers to improve regulatory frameworks for dermatology, increase access to essential medicines and sunscreens, and enhance specialist training opportunities. Research priorities include Africa-specific studies in dark skin physiology, psychodermatology, acne, and pigmentary disorders, with the objective of building a relevant evidence base for clinical practice in local contexts. Humanitarian programs such as free dermatology clinics and the distribution of medical supplies target displaced persons and other underserved groups.

Several core projects are active nationwide in Ghana, including the Summer Skin Project, which addresses acne and related psychosocial issues among adolescents, and the Skin Bleaching Recovery Project, which offers rehabilitation and dermatologic care to individuals harmed by bleaching agents. Other sessions include the Glass Skin Class, which delivers practical, evidence-backed skincare education, and a digital “Ask Me Anything” series that aims to expand public access to dermatologic guidance. According to the press release, Community Dermatology Clinics often reach hundreds of attendees per event, including populations in refugee settlements, rural areas and urban markets.

As demand for these initiatives grow, Skin Foundation Africa welcomes new partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, NGOs, international agencies, academic and professional societies, and global dermatologic organizations to support further research, outreach, and capacity-building.