The harsh reality of chronic skin conditions like Psoriasis is often underestimated—it's not just a health issue, but a significant financial burden that many patients silently bear. But here’s where it gets controversial: is healthcare in Tanzania truly prepared to support those living with lifelong conditions such as Psoriasis? And this is the part most people miss: the financial and emotional toll that such diseases impose can be overwhelming for the average citizen.
For Frank Latamani, a resident of Dar es Salaam, managing Psoriasis has become an expensive monthly ordeal, costing him over 1.2 million Tanzanian shillings. This regimen includes two vials of steroid injections priced at 450,000/- each, and three tubes of ointment costing 90,000/- apiece. Latamani, who is now retired, describes the financial strain as almost unbearable, sometimes forcing him to choose between essential needs like food, education, or treatment.
Lamentably, his ordeal with Psoriasis began around 2012 when he noticed mild, dandruff-like patches on his scalp and small bumps on his legs—symptoms he initially dismissed as common skin issues. By 2016, these symptoms had worsened, spreading to his head, legs, and waist, prompting him to seek specialized medical attention. After consultations at various facilities, a dermatologist at Muhimbili National Hospital confirmed his diagnosis through a biopsy: Psoriasis. This chronic condition has no cure but requires constant management, making the cost of ongoing treatment a significant concern.
In pursuit of relief, Latamani traveled to Apollo Hospital in India in October 2020 for advanced therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. His three-month stay involved expensive injectable treatments that delivered quick results, funded by a community effort of 30 million shillings from family and friends. Over the years, he has experienced different forms of Psoriasis, such as palmoplantar psoriasis—causing peeling and difficulty walking or gripping objects—and inverse psoriasis, which affects skin folds.
Now retired since 2021, Latamani faces mounting treatment costs that threaten his financial stability and take a toll on his mental health. The burden extends beyond physical discomfort to depression, anxiety, social isolation, and diminished self-esteem. Friends often withdraw, perceiving him as overly dependent, while the costs of treatment—like a single injection costing around 400,000/-—remain a major obstacle for pensioners and low-income earners.
Jolly Digallu, the treasurer of the Tanzania Psoriasis Association, emphasizes the need for systemic support from the government. She highlights how difficult it is for even middle-income individuals or pensioners to afford such treatments, questioning why the Ministry of Health hasn’t yet established dedicated programs to assist psoriasis patients.
Dr. Magdalena Dennis, a dermatologist at MNH, confirms that although Psoriasis is relatively rare, it is present in Tanzania and affects an estimated 2-3% of the global population—around 125 million people worldwide. The disease is non-contagious but results from immune system dysfunction that accelerates skin cell growth, leading to dry, scaly patches and swelling. It’s often associated with other non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
The Tanzania Psoriasis Association, founded in 2006, now boasts around 300 members nationwide. The organization offers vital psychological support, health education, and acts as an essential safety net for patients battling both the physical and emotional challenges of the disease. As debates about healthcare accessibility and affordability intensify, one thing remains clear: support systems and policies must evolve to meet the needs of those most vulnerable.
What are your thoughts on the adequacy of healthcare coverage for chronic conditions like Psoriasis in Tanzania? Should more urgent measures be implemented to aid sufferers, regardless of their income level? Share your perspective below—discussing is the first step toward change.
