Lets us support the Hats On For Skin Health project, a global collaboration between the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) and Stiefel, a GSK company, to reduce the devastating effects of skin cancer among people with albinism living in sub Saharan Africa.

Research shows that 100% of albinos in this region will present with some form of skin damage by the age of 10 years old, leading if unchecked to advanced and usually inoperable skin cancer before the age of 20 or 30. Many albinos are not educated about the importance of sun protection and the consequences of sun damage. Even if they are aware, many can’t afford sun-protective items like hats or long-sleeved clothing.

Hats On For Skin Health is raising funds that will be used by the ILDS to buy hats and other sun-protective items for albinos, initially in Tanzania. Hats are produced locally at a factory in Moshi, Tanzania, which offers indoor employment to some people with albinism in the region. The ILDS’ Regional Dermatology Training Center in Moshi will ensure that these hats are put into the hands of those in need. To learn more about this project, please visit the campaign website at www.hatsonforskinhealth.org.

For Information on the different ways you can donate to support the Hats On For Skin Health campaign, please get in touch with Mr. Michael Calong, our PDS Membership Committee assistant at Tel. No.’s (632) 727-7309 / (632) 723-0101 loc 2015 / Tele/fax No. (632) 727-7309 or you may send directly your check donations to the PDS office.

C/O Hats On For Skin Health, Philippine Dermatological Society, Rm. 1015 South Tower, Cathedral Heights Building Complex, St. Luke’s Medical Center, E. Rodriguez Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines 1102. 

We will be accepting donations until February 14,2012, thereafter, the PDS will send our collective support to ILDS.

All individual donations will be acknowledged and publicized in the SkinContact and in the ILDS Newsletter.

Thank you!