International Foundation for Dermatology (IFD), United Kingdom

The International Foundation for Dermatology (IFD) was founded in 1987 by the International Commitee of the International League of Dermatological Societies. IFD is a non-profit organization whose principal mission is to improve dermatologic care in rural areas of developing countries.

It has as its flagship the WHO collaborating centre - the Regional Dermatology Training Centre (RDTC) - at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Moshi, Tanzania. Africa is a continent in which south of the Sahara there are few Dermatologists. But now 100 allied health professionals are able to set up Dermatology Programs wich give advice to governments and teach in Universities. This is a substantial contribution covering some 12 countries in Eastern, Southern and Western Africa. In Mali, it has concentrated on 1 day courses, for health centre personel, covering the commonest skin diseases, this has resulted in better diagnosis and more appropriate prescribing of generic drugs. Thus it has reduced the cost to the patient.

IFD has also had programs in Guatemala, and it is in discussion with Indian and Chinese Dermatologists about future programs.

With respect to Lymphatic Filariasis IFD is concerned with morbidity control and especially with the differential diagnosis of Lymphoedema, as well as low cost, appropriate, locally available, and sustainable self-help. Integration with indigenous systems of health is also proving to be a significant policy.