Fighting skin cancer in persons with albinism in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Albinism is a genetic condition that means the skin does not produce melanin, our natural protection against the sun’s UV radiation. Persons with albinism in Africa are very vulnerable to sunburns and are at extreme risk of developing skin cancer due to the intense sun radiation.
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Factors such as lack of information about the condition, poverty and discrimination combine to make access to health services very difficult. With only 22 dermatologists for a population of 81 millions in DRC, skin lesions are often left untreated until the cancer is very advanced. Children as young as 7 years old die from preventable skin cancer.
Corbetta in a few figures in DRC
permanent care centers: in Kinshasa, Kisangani and Kasaï.
persons with albinism have benefited from Corbetta's care.
Healthcare workers trained by Corbetta to diagnose and treat cancerous lesions.
tubs of sunscreen distributed for free every month at the Corbetta care centers.
What we do ?
Next Goals
Produce suncream locally
Sunscreens are a life-saver for persons with albinism but are very expensive to import. Most people cannot afford them. We plan to replicate in DRC a sustainable model developed by our partner Beyond Suncare in Tanzania to produce suncreams locally. It will also be a source of employment for persons with albinism.
Design a national skin cancer action plan
Together with health authorities, create a standard skin cancer treatment program for people with albinism that health authorities could apply nationally.
A holistic albinism care center in DRC
The hospital will have a holistic approach and deal with the medical, psychological and social issues relating to albinism.
Get in touch to help us reach our goals !
The Mission of Corbetta
Improve accessibility to dermatological care for persons with albinism in the DRC.
Decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with skin cancer in persons with albinism.
Establish a holistic and permanent care program for albinism-related problems.
The Founder of Corbetta
Dr Inena is a dermatologist and psychiatrist from the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is head of the department of internal medicine at the Cinquantenaire Hospital in Kisangani. He is also a senior lecturer and consultant at Kampala International Teaching Hospital in Uganda. He has published numerous articles on albinism and skin cancer and his contributions to the field of cutaneous disorders are internationally recognized.
Dr Inena has been appointed a directing member of Global Skin (the international alliance of dermatology patients) in 2022.
In April 2024, he was selected to be part of the GLODERM international mentorship programme.
Publications
Contributions by Corbetta to medical research about skin cancer and albinism
Expanding global health dermatology leadership
Launching the GLODERM international mentorship programme
Patterns of skin cancer and treatment outcomes for patients with albinism at Kisangani Clinic, Democratic Republic of Congo
Factors Associated with the Prevalence of Depression among People with Oculocutaneous Albinism in Jinja, Uganda-A Cross Sectional Study
Blog and News
Together we can stop the silent killer. Skin cancer is preventable and curable.
