10th Anniversary of Ghana Society of Dermatology - Honouring the past, celebrating the present, advancing future
The Ghana Society of Dermatology (GSD) is 10 years! Hurray!! The Ghana Society of Dermatology is a non-profit making organisation affiliated to the Ghana Medical Association (GMA).
The Society was birthed on 17th February 2012 as a re-vamped group from the erstwhile Ghana Society of Dermatologists, which was instituted in the 70s by the founders, Prof. Edmund Delle, the late Dr. Sackeyfio, Prof. JH Addy, Prof HA Addo and the late Brigadier General Rtd Dr. A B Gyening.
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The Society of Dermatology was expanded to include all interested persons from the Medical profession, other health professionals with interest in Dermatology, members of the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors, patients and patient support groups, media, and individuals who share in the vision of the Society, with the aim of bringing together all who contribute to the practice of Dermatology, so as to promote quality skincare in Ghana.
With the mission statement of promoting and providing healthy skin for all Ghanaians through advocacy, education and training, and quality treatment of skin disorders, the Society currently has membership comprising Dermatologists, Medical Practitioners and Physician Assistants with special interest in Dermatology, Pharmacists,
Advocates, and Personnel from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
Achievements
One of GSD’s biggest achievement has been collaborating with the FDA to ban the importation and sale of hydroquinone-based products to reduce the incidence of skin bleaching.
The menace of skin bleaching has been in the country for more than a decade and the use of harmful, unauthorised substances to achieve a lighter skin needs to be constantly addressed until completely abolished.
Education
The Society has diligently been advocating for the quality training of Medical Practitioners interested in Dermatology, to fill the gap identified in the availability of skilled personnel for the management of skin disorders in the Countr.
GSD strongly espouses the training of various cadres of skin care professionals and has diligently organised Continuous Professional Development (CPD) sessions on Dermatology over the past years for health professionals interested in this specialty. Members have also rendered their services as tutors and lecturers in training Medical students and residents, among other professionals.
The Society identifies the need to bring together seasoned Dermatologists and Medical Personnel/Health-Care Providers/Pharmacists with interest in Dermatology to have a united voice in advocating for quality skin care management for the populace.
Advocacy
In Ghana, there are very few medical personnel practicing in Dermatology. The Society is initiating measures to create awareness on dermatological conditions of public health concern, such as, skin bleaching and infections.
With the plethora of uncertified skin care products (especially skin bleaching products) and over-the-counter steroids and antibiotics (which are obtained without prescription and without questioning the indication for the medications), the Society has been vocal in advocating censorship and tighter control by the FDA to curtail the harmful sequelae of patronising these products without proper guidance by a certified Dermatologist or health personnel.
The surge of skin infections, skin cancers, acne, stunted growth, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, among others from this practice cannot be over-emphasised.
The Society has been using multiple media platforms such as Radio, TV, Print and Social Media to create awareness of such menaces in society.
Outreach
Members of the society have contributed to society beyond their services as Dermatologists and have embarked on clinical outreaches to the Pantang Hospital and the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, the Senior Correctional Centre of the Ghana Prisons’ Service pro bono, with free medication from sponsoring pharmaceutical companies.
Partnership
The GSD recognises its strengths has over the years partnered with companies which share its vision, such as L’oreal, Unilever, Tobinco, Luex, Ansapharma, Suprapharma and Rabito Health Services to offer not only Dermatological Consultations and Services.
It has also distributed medicines to the less fortunate in society, through outreaches in its quest to leave no one behind in promoting healthy skin for all.
Partners worth mentioning in this effort are Dr. Michelle Verchoose of L’Oreal, who was instrumental in the formation of the Society and has supported research into black skin and hair.
Another advocate of GSD has been Mr. Sulemain Adam, the Advocacy Officer of the Ghana Association of Persons with Albinism, who has been selfless in creating awareness of his condition to reduce stigma and educate on sun protection.
Through its collaborative efforts, the Society has been instrumental in the development of the African Society of Dermatology and Venereology, a continental platform with similar vision and objectives; a society which many GSD members belong to as well.
10th-anniversary activities
The Ghana Society of Dermatology on the occasion of its 10th Anniversary has selected the theme: Love Your Skin.
The theme emphasises the need for all to love and take good care of the largest organ in the human body, which often is taken for granted.
It is a fervent call for all to be mindful of nourishing the skin and body by eating a healthy, balanced diet, staying hydrated, washing the skin with gentle cleansers, moisturizing adequately, avoiding bleaching products and protecting the skin from direct sunlight (using sunscreens and the wearing of hats and sunglasses).
It is the Society’s aim that its vision of promoting healthy skin and providing quality treatment for skin disorders will be shared by all, as it celebrates this milestone. A number of commemorative activities have been outlined, including a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) session on Dermatology, sensitisation on skin care issues via Radio Talk shows, medical outreaches, a dinner/gala and thanksgiving service, spanning Friday, February 11 to Sunday, February 20, 2022.
As the Society celebrates this landmark, it invites everyone to champion the theme of loving our beautiful skin and promoting the healthy habit of seeking professional care for skin management.
Investment in a healthy skin will reap undeniable, visible, and life-saving dividends.