Stories and facts
The Ghana Society of Dermatology (GSD) was established on February 17, 2012, as a revitalized organization succeeding the Ghana Society of Dermatologists, founded in the 1970s by Prof. Edmund Delle, the late Dr. Sackeyfio, Prof. JH Addy, Prof. HA Addo, and the late Brigadier General Rtd Dr. A B Gyening.
The Society expanded its membership to include not only medical professionals but also other health professionals interested in dermatology, pharmaceutical and cosmetic sector members, patients and their support groups, media personnel, and individuals aligned with the Society’s vision. The aim is to unite all contributors to dermatology practice in Ghana to promote quality skincare.
GSD's mission is to ensure healthy skin for all Ghanaians through advocacy, education, training, and quality treatment of skin disorders. Its members include dermatologists, medical practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, advocates, and personnel from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
One of GSD’s significant achievements is collaborating with the FDA to ban hydroquinone-based products to combat skin bleaching. This initiative addresses the long-standing issue of harmful skin-lightening practices in Ghana.
GSD is committed to training medical practitioners in dermatology, addressing the gap in skilled personnel for managing skin disorders. The society organizes continuous professional development (CPD) sessions and contributes to training medical students and residents.
Recognizing the scarcity of dermatology practitioners, GSD raises awareness about public health concerns like skin bleaching and infections. The Society advocates for tighter FDA controls on uncertified skin products and unauthorized medication use, highlighting the risks of skin infections, cancers, and other health issues.
GSD members extend their services beyond dermatology clinics, conducting outreach programs at institutions like Pantang Hospital, Accra Psychiatric Hospital, and the Senior Correctional Centre of the Ghana Prisons Service, often with free medication from pharmaceutical sponsors.
The Society has partnered with companies such as L'Oréal, Unilever, Tobinco, Luex, Ansapharma, Suprapharma, and Rabito Health Services. These collaborations have facilitated dermatological consultations, services, and the distribution of medicines to underserved communities.
Marking its 10th anniversary, GSD has adopted the theme “Love Your Skin” to emphasize the importance of skin care. The society encourages practices like balanced nutrition, hydration, gentle cleansing, moisturizing, avoiding bleaching products, and sun protection.
The anniversary celebrations from February 11 to February 20, 2022, include CPD sessions, radio talk shows, medical outreaches, a dinner/gala, and a Thanksgiving service. Through these activities, GSD aims to reinforce the importance of professional skin care and promote healthy skin practices among Ghanaians.
As GSD celebrates this milestone, it invites everyone to embrace the theme of loving and caring for their skin, ensuring long-term health benefits and visible improvements.
