Johannesburg – While millions of people globally will dedicate 67 minutes to serving their communities this month in honour of Nelson Mandela, PsorAfrica is encouraging the public to also challenge something less visible – the healthcare inequalities faced by young people living with psoriasis.
The research shows that up to 11% of the global population live with psoriasis, and nearly one-third of these cases occur in children.
40% of those with psoriasis experience symptoms before they’re 16 years old.
Often dismissed as “just a skin condition,” psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect the skin, the joints and overall wellbeing.
For many young people, the impact reaches far beyond the physical symptoms.
These are the years when young adults should be building confidence, pursuing an education, starting their careers, forming relationships and cementing their identity.
Instead, many are battling bullying, discrimination, anxiety, depression and social isolation because of a condition that is still widely misunderstood.
Across Africa, these challenges are made worse by limited access to specialist healthcare.
Delayed diagnosis, shortages of dermatologists and rheumatologists, high treatment costs and unequal access to effective therapies mean many young people continue to suffer in silence.
“Former South African President Nelson Mandela believed in dignity, equality and ensuring that no one is left behind,” said Pierre-Célestin Habiyaremye, President of PsorAfrica.
“Those values should extend to every young African living with a chronic disease.
“To the youth of Africa, your psoriasis does not diminish your immense potential.
“Our patches are not marks of limitation, but blueprints of resilience and inner power.
“Together, we must rise above the stigma and lead a proud, visible, and unstoppable generation.
“As PsorAfrica, our vision is an Africa where no young person suffers in isolation.”
Earlier this year, patient advocates, healthcare professionals and researchers from across the continent gathered at the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) Forum in Nairobi, Kenya.
One message emerged clearly: improving access to care for people living with psoriasis and psoriatic disease is an urgent priority across Africa.
PsorAfrica believes that Mandela Month is an opportunity to build understanding, replace judgement with compassion and advocate for healthcare systems that ensure our youth are taken care of.
The organisation is calling on governments, healthcare professionals, educators, employers and communities to:
Challenge the myths and stigma surrounding psoriasis.
Promote earlier diagnosis and referral to specialist care.
Improve equitable access to affordable treatment across Africa.
Recognise the mental health impact of living with a visible chronic disease.
Create environments where young people living with psoriasis feel accepted, supported and empowered to reach their full potential.
“This Mandela Day, let’s build an Africa where every young person living with psoriasis is seen for their potential, not their condition,” said Habiyaremye.
“Let’s work together to ensure that our youth are empowered and supported to overcome their health challenges.”
