At Tropics Derma Institute graduation: Founder, Dr Edith Gibson, urges laureates to promote ebony skin.

The ceremony was to hand over diplomas to the first batch of 25 trainees at the end of their training in cosmetology and tropical skincare. 

Speaking to the press, Dr Edith Gibson expressed satisfaction with the work that Tropics Derma Institute has achieved so far. 

While congratulating the graduates, she wished them well as they go on to begin their careers in medical aesthetics. 

“I have no doubt that our graduates will be highly successful in their careers, thanks to the knowledge and skills they have acquired. This graduation is a symbol of the hard work, achievement and bright future that awaits them as they embark on their professional careers,” the medical aesthetician said.

Dr Gibson further stressed on the quality of training received by the graduates, highlighting that Tropics Derma Institute specialises in providing first class education that combines cutting-edge scientific knowledge with practical skills.

“Our dedicated and experienced members have worked tirelessly to ensure that our students receive the highest quality training in dermatology and medical aesthetics,” she said.

Enter Laureates

The 25 graduates, carefully selected from related medical fields, all expressed gratitude to the vision-bearer of this innovative initiative in Cameroon, and their partners, while promising to put in practice all they have learned. 

The pharmacists, beauticians, medical representatives, among others, hope to increase awareness and get more people involved in acquiring training in medical aesthetics.

Eyong Joshua, a graduate, said: “Medical aesthetics has a scientific background on understanding skin, physiology and more. I embarked on this field of research because there are few qualified persons practicing. Understanding and caring for the black skin is very important. It will also help reduce the amount of bleaching being done by most people with black skin”.

On her part, Rachel Tandifor, one of the graduates, revealed that she closed her business institute when she started her training because she realised she was not qualified enough and lacked the necessary skills to cater for the needs of her clients with damaged skin.

“I realised that I was unable to really help people who came with skin problems, so I decided to undergo training,” Tandifor said.

Present at the ceremony were representatives of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, the Ministry of Public Health, parents and families who showed up to show their support to this first wave of Tropic Derma graduates. In addition to receiving their diplomas, some also received honorary awards.

About Tropics Derma Institute

The Institute was created by Dr Edith Gibson as a means to get more Africans in the research and care for ebony skin. 

It specialises in skincare practices adapted to tropical climates, addressing challenges such as high pigmentation, intense sunlight, acne, sun burn, among others.

According to Dr Gibson, the cosmetics market is worth billions, but most Africans do not benefit from these billions because they lack knowledge. 

She said there is a lack of qualified personnel and equipment to analyse or treat African skin, with little to no studies on how to take care of the African skin in the tropics, especially when faced with problems.

“Our vision at Tropics Derma Institute is to multiply, at regional level, the trained contributors to provide an effective scientific response to the dangers linked to climate change in the equatorial regions of the globe. It’s not about cosmetology or aesthetics, it’s about the science of skin,” she said.

The Institute works in partnership with UNESCO, to seek appropriate solutions, and build a broader base of new strategic approaches to combating skin health problems in the tropics.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3179 of Thursday July 25, 2024