Youth Leading the Future of Skin Health in the ECSA Region
Innovation. Equity. Impact.
The Dermatology Regional Youth Summit 2027 brings together young healthcare professionals, researchers, students, innovators, advocates, and policymakers from across East, Central, and Southern Africa to shape the future of skin health.
Hosted in Arusha, Tanzania by the Regional Dermatology Training Centre (RDTC) and the East, Central, and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC), this landmark summit will spark collaboration, leadership, and youth-driven solutions for the region’s most pressing dermatological challenges.
9—10 January , 2027 | Arusha, Tanzania
About the Summit
Skin health remains one of the most overlooked public health priorities in Sub-Saharan Africa despite affecting millions of young people across the region.
The Dermatology Regional Youth Summit 2027 is designed to bridge the gap between clinical expertise, public health action, digital innovation, and youth-led advocacy.
Set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, the summit will convene emerging leaders and experts to reimagine dermatology through:
- Youth leadership and advocacy
- Clinical and public health dermatology
- Mental health and social inclusion
- Sexual and reproductive health integration
- Climate change and skin health
- Digital health and innovation
- Entrepreneurship in dermatology
- Neglected tropical diseases and non-communicable diseases
Why This Summit Matters
Across the ECSA region, skin diseases continue to impact the health, confidence, and wellbeing of millions of young people.
Key Challenges Facing the Region
- Critical shortage of dermatologists, especially in rural communities
- Growing use of unsafe skin-bleaching and cosmetic products among youth
- Delayed diagnosis of skin cancers and infectious skin diseases
- Stigma, bullying, and mental health burdens linked to visible skin conditions
- Limited youth participation in dermatology advocacy and innovation
Despite these realities, young people represent the largest and most connected demographic in Africa — creating a powerful opportunity for change.
Summit Objectives
The summit aims to establish a regional youth-led movement that champions skin health advocacy, education, innovation, and early intervention across the ECSA region.
- Train over 100 youth delegates in identifying and managing common skin conditions
- Launch Dermatology Youth Mentorship Programme
- Foster regional research collaborations in dermatology and public health
- Promote evidence-based skin health practices
- Showcase youth-led innovations and community initiatives
- Address stigma, discrimination, and mental health challenges related to skin conditions