Skin cancers: managing pain and improving palliative care in Côte d’Ivoire

28/02/2024

People with albinism in Africa are at high risk of developing skin cancers. That’s why we are developing programmes in several countries to prevent and provide early treatment for skin lesions in people with albinism. But when cancers cannot be prevented, how do we support the people who suffer?

In Côte d’Ivoire, we have begun training medical teams in palliative care and pain management to meet this priority need.

Since the end of 2023, two doctors in their 3rd and 4th year of a specialised dermatology diploma, already involved in the “Albivoire” programme, have been receiving appropriate training thanks to funding from the Foundation.

We have drawn on the expertise of the NGO Hospice of Africa, a leading organisation in the field of palliative care and pain management, based in Uganda.

The 4-month training course culminated in a practical placement in Uganda from 15 January to 2 February 2024, which included visiting sick patients in their own homes.

This training will enable the two dermatologists in turn to train doctors and health workers, and will benefit the programme’s teams in Côte d’Ivoire to improve support for people with albinism suffering from skin cancer.