The African Regional Network (ARN)was established to amplify the patient voice across the continent by promoting advocacy, storytelling, and regional collaboration to raise awareness of dermatological conditions.
By uniting efforts, the African Regional Network aims to strengthen patient organisations through capacity building, leadership development, and shared resources - empowering them to create a greater impact within their local communities and drive meaningful change across Africa.
These efforts are working to:
- Unite the dermatology patient community by fostering partnerships, experience-sharing, and solidarity across the continent.
- Build a strong and inclusive network that engages with policymakers, healthcare providers, and African institutions to drive equitable access to care.
- Implement GlobalSkin’s strategic priorities at a regional level through targeted programs that reflect the unique needs of African communities.
Regional Representation
ARN Members represent 55 member organizations in 17 countries across the African continent:
- Benin
- Burundi
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Ethiopia
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Liberia
- Kenya
- Malawi
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Sierra Leone
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
Network Activities
In 2025, the Working Group has consistently met every two weeks, hosted a pre-conference coffee chat in March, and held a lively in-person regional meeting at the GlobalSkin Conference.
Resource Hub
To support member growth, the Working Group also delivered a three-part capacity-building webinar series
where community members and experts were invited to present on effective media use, mental health, and
governance—each informed by pre-session surveys.
Part 1: “Amplifying Your Voice Using Social Media”, led by Sheila Khawaja
Part 2: “Mental Health and Skin Conditions”, hosted by Dr. Gaylord Inena Wa Inena
Part 3: "Organisational Infrastructure to Support Effective Advocacy and Implementation for Skin Patient Organisations" Presented by Dr Eleanor Nwadinobi
Get Involved
The ARN is always open to new members!
If you are a GlobalSkin Member Organization located in an African region, you are eligible to join.
To join and for questions, contact:
Toni Roberts, Member Programs Manager
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Meet the Advisory Commitee
Rachel Ogola, Chair
Eczema Society of Kenya
Fikre Hailekiros, Vice-Chair
National Podoconiosis Action Network (NAPAN)
Warren Simangolwa, Treasurer
Patient and Citizen Involvement in Health
Enam Honya
Vitiligo Support and Awareness Foundation Ghana
Ogo Maduewesi
The Skin and Appearance Positive Hub (SKAPH)
Peter Ogik
Source of the Nile Union of Persons with Albinism (SNUPA)
Odette Asha
Eczema RDC
Contact Us!
Interested in learning more about our African Regional Network initiatives? Want to join or collaborate? Contact Toni Roberts, Member Programs Manager This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.