Lack of public awareness of the rare eczema disease that is reportedly on the increase in Zimbabwe was last week cited as the main hindrance in efforts to combat it’s unwanted growth and spread around the country.
Health Reporter
This came out at the World Eczema Week commemorations and exhibitions that were staged recently by the Eczema Association of Zimbabwe Trust in Harare. The event brought together a host of health practitioners and officials from the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Patron of the Trust, Timothy Stamps, who is Health Advisor in the Office of the President and Cabinet, was the guest of honour.
Eczema is a condition that arises when allergens are easily absorbed into and irritate the skin. Sufferers will find that because their body would not be making a sufficient amount of oils and fats, they won’t be able to retain as much water, which acts as a useful barrier against these allergens and bacteria.
Alfred Derera, a senior official of the Eczema Association of Zimbabwe Trust related some of the effects of the ailment to the gathering.
“If you suffer from eczema, you will know how frustrating it can be and how hard it is to avoid scratching! But one will not be alone — it is estimated that a significant number of people in Zimbabwe suffer from some form of this inflammation of the skin.’’
Unfortunately, he said, the impact eczema has on an individual can be overlooked by those that don’t understand the condition. While some may have a few patches of eczema around the body, there are many different forms of this disease, he said.
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The event included exhibitions by several players in the health sector and associated partners and awareness campaigners. There was also free screening of patients, BP checks and HIV-testing and counselling.
Derera said the annual commemorations were an opportunity for raising awareness and educating the public on the effects of eczema, asthma and allergies.
“There has been a noted increase in cases of eczema and other conditions. The event also sought to address issues to do with stigma and discrimination. We identified and invited stakeholders in the prevention and control efforts of the condition,’’ he added.
The Eczema Association of Zimbabwe Trust provides a place where eczema sufferers and their families can get more information, friendly advice and support. It is a patient advocacy and non-profit making organisation founded in 2012 and is in partnership with the government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Health and Child Care under a memorandum of understanding.
According to its charter, the overall goal of the Trust is to provide necessary health, psychosocial support, information and resources to those parents with children affected by different skin diseases, especially eczema, as well as to overcome the myths and misconceptions associated with the disease.
