International Forum on Psoriasis Takes Center Stage in Africa to Address Urgent Health Issues
The International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) is set to unveil the first-ever African Forum on Psoriasis, taking place from May 7 to 9, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya. This groundbreaking event aims to address one of the continent's most overlooked chronic health conditions, psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a long-term condition that significantly impacts the skin, leading to visible lesions that can affect social interactions and mental health. It is estimated that over 3.5 million individuals in Africa are affected by this disease, yet it remains grossly underdiagnosed and undertreated. Experts suggest that the actual number of individuals suffering from psoriasis could be much higher due to inadequate epidemiological data and a severe lack of specialist care across the continent.
The Nairobi Forum will gather key stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and patient organizations. The objective is to foster dialogue and collaboration aimed at improving awareness and treatment of psoriasis, which is often stigmatized and misunderstood. "The need for action is urgent," explains Frida Dunger, Executive Director of IFPA. "We must address psoriasis as a public health challenge and work towards building resilient and equitable health systems."
More than just a gathering, the IFPA Africa Forum aims to serve as a catalyst for change. Three main priorities will guide discussions throughout the event:
1. Local Research: Generating vital data on psoriasis to better understand its prevalence and impact within African communities.
2. Patient Representation: Ensuring that the voices of patients influence healthcare decision-making processes.
3. Rights and Access: Advocating for the integration of psoriasis treatment into national non-communicable disease strategies, including access to essential medications and combating stigma.
"Psoriasis is a chronic, non-communicable disease that deeply affects not only physical health but also mental well-being and economic stability," noted Pierre Celestin Habiyaremye, General Director of PsorAfrica. "People in Africa, especially in rural areas, often lack awareness of the disease, which influences their social and economic decisions. This forum is a vital step towards fostering awareness and advocating for a better future."
The lack of dermatologists in Africa exacerbates the problem, with only one dermatologist for over a million residents compared to 36 per million in the United States. Thus, access to effective treatment remains hugely limited, often leading to economic hardships for families affected by psoriasis.
Renowned media professional and social change advocate Janet Mbugua is set to host the forum, providing an opportunity to shed light on the experiences of individuals affected by psoriasis. "It's critical that we bring these stories to the forefront and address the real challenges faced by patients," she stated. "Through this platform, we can support initiatives that strengthen healthcare, research, and policy across Africa."
The IFPA's commitment to addressing psoriasis in Africa marks a significant step towards recognizing and treating this often-ignored health issue. By gathering experts and advocates, the IFPA is paving the way for a more inclusive healthcare system that prioritizes the needs and rights of individuals living with psoriasis.
As the event approaches, stakeholders are preparing for a collaborative effort that hopes to redefine the future of psoriasis treatment and advocacy in Africa, ensuring that millions are no longer overlooked. The IFPA Africa Forum seeks to raise the profile of psoriasis and forge a path toward more comprehensive healthcare solutions. For more information on the forum and its objectives, visit the official IFPA website.
Psoriasis is a long-term condition that significantly impacts the skin, leading to visible lesions that can affect social interactions and mental health. It is estimated that over 3.5 million individuals in Africa are affected by this disease, yet it remains grossly underdiagnosed and undertreated. Experts suggest that the actual number of individuals suffering from psoriasis could be much higher due to inadequate epidemiological data and a severe lack of specialist care across the continent.
The Nairobi Forum will gather key stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and patient organizations. The objective is to foster dialogue and collaboration aimed at improving awareness and treatment of psoriasis, which is often stigmatized and misunderstood. "The need for action is urgent," explains Frida Dunger, Executive Director of IFPA. "We must address psoriasis as a public health challenge and work towards building resilient and equitable health systems."
More than just a gathering, the IFPA Africa Forum aims to serve as a catalyst for change. Three main priorities will guide discussions throughout the event:
1. Local Research: Generating vital data on psoriasis to better understand its prevalence and impact within African communities.
2. Patient Representation: Ensuring that the voices of patients influence healthcare decision-making processes.
3. Rights and Access: Advocating for the integration of psoriasis treatment into national non-communicable disease strategies, including access to essential medications and combating stigma.
"Psoriasis is a chronic, non-communicable disease that deeply affects not only physical health but also mental well-being and economic stability," noted Pierre Celestin Habiyaremye, General Director of PsorAfrica. "People in Africa, especially in rural areas, often lack awareness of the disease, which influences their social and economic decisions. This forum is a vital step towards fostering awareness and advocating for a better future."
The lack of dermatologists in Africa exacerbates the problem, with only one dermatologist for over a million residents compared to 36 per million in the United States. Thus, access to effective treatment remains hugely limited, often leading to economic hardships for families affected by psoriasis.
Renowned media professional and social change advocate Janet Mbugua is set to host the forum, providing an opportunity to shed light on the experiences of individuals affected by psoriasis. "It's critical that we bring these stories to the forefront and address the real challenges faced by patients," she stated. "Through this platform, we can support initiatives that strengthen healthcare, research, and policy across Africa."
The IFPA's commitment to addressing psoriasis in Africa marks a significant step towards recognizing and treating this often-ignored health issue. By gathering experts and advocates, the IFPA is paving the way for a more inclusive healthcare system that prioritizes the needs and rights of individuals living with psoriasis.
As the event approaches, stakeholders are preparing for a collaborative effort that hopes to redefine the future of psoriasis treatment and advocacy in Africa, ensuring that millions are no longer overlooked. The IFPA Africa Forum seeks to raise the profile of psoriasis and forge a path toward more comprehensive healthcare solutions. For more information on the forum and its objectives, visit the official IFPA website.
Topics Health）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.