Four years of funding of dermatology training for Pacific doctors and other health workers is now assured thanks to a significant donation to Pacific Dermatology by the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS). This will allow dermatology training at the Pacific Dermatology Training Centre (PDTC) located at Fiji’s National Skin Clinic, at Tamavua Twomey Hospital, Suva.

In response to a submission from directors at Pacific Dermatology Ltd, the world peak body, the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) has committed operational funding for at least the next four years to assist with skin specialist education in the Pacific nations.

Prior to opening the Training Centre in Fiji in 2019 there were only three dermatologists in the Pacific. To date the Fiji National University and Pacific Dermatology Training Centre, has graduated 11 doctors from countries including Fiji, Kiribati, Solomons, PNG, and Samoa through the one-year Diploma in Dermatology.  In addition, three doctors are due to graduate as fully qualified dermatologists in late 2024. The new funding should allow more than ten more doctors to be upskilled. The Centre’s patient reach has grown from treating 800 patients per month in 2018 to more than 2,000 per month in 2024.

As the peak body of Dermatology Societies across the world, ILDS represents dermatology at the highest level, being in official relations with the World Health Organisation and actively fosters the worldwide advancement of dermatological education, care and science. Dr Claire Fuller, Chair of ILDS’s charitable International Foundation for Dermatology, considers the success of this program and the great need for expanding dermatology services in the Pacific fits well with the ILDS charter to improve the treatment of skin disease in the Pacific

The training programs are designed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of tropical skin diseases and enhance data collection on communicable and non-communicable diseases and provide greater expertise in managing health emergencies.

Director of Pacific Dermatology Training Centre, Dr Meciusela Tuicakau has welcomed this exciting opportunity to continue dermatology teaching. “Another four years of funding moves the initial programs to a more sustainable footing and helps us build a professional community of dermatology health professionals who can treat more of our people locally,”  said Dr Tuicakau. “ We also hope to see continued improvement of facilities at the Training Centre, technology and resources, and systems in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Fiji National University.”