A Consultant Dermatologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Dr. Folakemi Cole-Adeife, has called for the integration of skin health into Nigeria’s primary healthcare system to improve access to treatment and reduce the burden of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
She made the appeal on Thursday during the 19th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists (NAD), held in Lagos. The three-day conference was themed: “Dermatology and Global Health: Bridging the Gap.”
Cole-Adeife highlighted that Nigeria bears the highest burden of NTDs in Africa, accounting for over 25% of cases on the continent.
She identified eight of the ten skin-related NTDs recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) — including acne, impetigo, tinea, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and skin cancers — all of which are endemic in Nigeria.
“Skin NTDs are a subset of NTDs that primarily manifest through the skin and make up nearly half of all NTDs,” she explained. “They are prevalent in rural areas, often neglected in funding and research, and associated with stigma, discrimination, and socioeconomic hardship.”
Cole-Adeife stressed the urgent need for improved training of primary healthcare workers, who often lack the knowledge and skills to identify and manage skin NTDs.
“Many NTDs present with early skin symptoms. If recognised and managed at the primary care level, we can prevent complications, reduce transmission, and improve overall health outcomes,” she said.
She also lamented the severe shortage of dermatologists in the country, stating that there is currently only one dermatologist per million Nigerians — most of whom are based in urban centres.
According to her, training primary healthcare providers to screen, diagnose, and treat common and serious skin conditions would significantly bridge the healthcare access gap for underserved communities.
“Dermatologists must work with stakeholders to promote skin health through prevention, education, early detection, and timely treatment,” she added.
