Before a remarkable opportunity to expand on a particular skincare health topic opened up starting this month of October, Dr Olufolakemi Cole Adeife had been soaking in positive reviews that often greet her for every single time she has given the perfect skincare experience to her clients. Now, that diligence and perhaps the good universe has rewarded her with being the only winner of the 2024 La Roche-Posay Research Grants for the Africa region which adds up to ₦42million as the prize.

Out of 170 applications received by La Roche-Posay which deals with personal care products like SPF 30-50 and essential face wash or sunscreen, a total of 19 applicants came from the African continent.

I'm super elated to be selected as the winner of the 2024 La Roche Posay Research Grant Award for Sub-Saharan Africa for my proposed research on Evaluating the Quality of Life of and the Impact of Therapeutic Medical Education on People with Oculocutaneus Albinism in Nigeria!🎊💥 pic.twitter.com/pfbwezSZxv

— Olufolakemi Cole-Adeife FMCP DTM&H (@flakydancindoc) September 19, 2024

Being the only applicant from Africa with a grant to celebrate came with some gloating as Dr Adeife got on Instagram to relive key milestones in the journey of standing out among many. A telemedicine website connecting specialists with would-be patients says the dermatologist specialises in clinical dermatology for adults, venerology, allergy, and aesthetic dermatology as well.

Some patient reviews displayed on the page came from characters of different ages. One by 43-year-old Taiwo B who, after a session with the physician, thinks that she is perfect, and also I enjoyed the service that was rendered. 

All the past experiences have mostly been favourable and certainly pushed her far. According to the grant disburser, the doctor’s submission focuses on an impressive research project titled: Evaluating the quality of life and the impact of therapeutic patient education for people with oculocutaneous albinism in Nigeria.

Getting a grant is only just one of the achievements of the recent weeks. In September, the kids skincare expert admitted that she has also elevated into the World Health Organisation’s Fides Health Influencer community, making her proud.

Every step of the way has been a learning phase for Dr Olufolakemi Cole Adeife whose LinkedIn shows heading up to a decade consulting for the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Ikeja.

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Just like many other public health concerns needing very many extra hands in Nigeria, skin care services lack sufficient players. This specialised field has issues to confront because there are only a few dermatologists to care for millions of patients.

I'm delighted to join the Fides network of healthcare influencers supported by the World Health Organization @who to share good, accurate health information and to fight misinformation! 💫

I will continue to advocate for skin health on and off social media 💕🙏🏾💫#whofides pic.twitter.com/HzuykOBaEN

— Olufolakemi Cole-Adeife FMCP DTM&H (@flakydancindoc) October 5, 2024

Albinism, which the doctor will focus on in her research and rightly so, thirsts for more understanding as there tends to be instances of an albino feeling marginalised. Every human being deserves access to dermatological care but it is unfortunate that most African countries, Nigeria inclusive, have fewer dermatologists catering to millions of people.

Recalling how desperate personnel recruitment in Nigeria’s skincare field ought to be is to go back to the World Skin Day July commemoration. Around this period talking to Vanguard News, Dr Cole Adeife said we have one dermatologist to one million people and some countries are worse.

So, we need more dermatologists, we need more people to go into dermatology training and we need more medical schools to include dermatology training. Until that time when more skincare specialists in Nigeria are available because intentional grooming has been happening, the LASUTH consultant and a few others are hanging in there with their partners and hoping for extra help.

Meiza Nigeria