Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - Children everywhere in Ethiopia are prey to impetigo (superficial infection of the cute, highly contagious caused by bacteria), viral skin infections, mycosis, ringworm, skin TB, diseases which lower the immunity system opening the way for lethal pathologies including malaria and HIV.
The high infant mortality rate in Ethiopia is due partly to pathologies and infections which target the skin. This emergency is made more dramatic by the presence in the whole of the Horn of Africa of only 12 dermatologists and one doctor for every 58,000 people.
Thanks to a new programme African ‘white coat’ specialists in dermatology are now flanked by experts at the Italian Dermatological Hospital Iismas, in Quiha, Makallè, capital of Tigray. The Hospital trains local personnel in a bid to reduce skin infections and possible ensuing diseases with prevention. The hospital was opened this year in January and in the first three months of its activity 2005, 2,556 patients have been examined, 82 have been admitted for treatment, half of them children aged between 2 months and 16 years. (AP) (16/5/2005 Agenzia Fides; Righe:22; Parole:255)
