7th October, 2019: L'Oréal Medical Directorate created the L'Oréal African Hair and Skin Research Grant in 2013 to promote African scientific excellence by supporting distinguished scientists, who are looking into fields yet unexplored, by allowing them to access the advice from a network of experts and offering them greater visibility. In addition, the data generated by these African scientist serves the African community, raising awareness and providing guidelines for hair and skin care.
L'Oréal African Hair and Skin Research Grant Ceremony
3 brilliant researchers were awarded a research grant from Senegal, Kenya and Nigeria were selected based on the scientific value, quality and originality of their research proposal, from 31 applications, anonymously by a jury of 10 international experts on African hair and skin. The grant offers funding for one year research project, and in addition, personalised feedback on research proposals from the selected panel of 7 African and 3 international experts of African hair and skin.
Their achievement were celebrated at an exceptional ceremony on the 7th October 2019, in Dakar, Senegal, in the presence of a distinguished audience in the senegal dermatology community, including representatives of public authorities, scientists, academics, intellectuals, thought leaders and organisations promoting healthy skin.
Since the creation of L'Oreal nearly 110 years ago, research and innovation have been a driving force for its growth, its worldwide presence, with invention of cosmetics
to meet the aspirations of beauty of each one in his and her environment. Thus, increasing knowledge in African hair and African skin, building medical and scientific partnerships with teams of the African continent and sharing these innovations with dermatologists of all African countries has been our mission and our passion for more than 15 years. Thanks to the energy and the trust of the group of dermatology leaders who attended the L'Oréal workshops, the creation of the African Society of Dermatology and the first two congresses in Abuja in 2016 and Durban in 2018 have given a fantastic impulsion for more exchange in Africa and fruitful collaborations.
The necessity of increasing knowledge on African Hair and Skin physiology resulted in the creation of a specific Hair and Skin research Grant program in Africa, all projects being applied by African scientists and dermatologists and conducted in clinical and scientific expertise centres in Africa.
This year, the scientific jury and myself appreciated the high level of applied projects and given that point, we increased the number of grants from one to three. This much larger support of L'Oréal to the development of science in Africa testifies our commitment to empower more and more scientists in the continent. We congratulate the winners of L'Oréal African Hair and skin grant 2019 and wish long life and a big success to this scientific program.
Doctor Michèle Verschoore
L'Oréal Research & Innovation
1ST PRIZE GRANT WINNER
DR Abdelmajid KHELIF– Université Cheikh Antadiop, Dakar, Senegal
Dr. Abdelmajid Khelif was born in Kairouan, Tunisia on October 8, 1988. After studying Medicine at the Ibn Al Jazzar Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Tunisia, he was awarded his medical doctorate in 2016. His thesis was about the "Modern treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura in adults: about 44 cases ". He received the following distinction from his thesis jury: Very honorable and highly recommended, dissertation proposed for a prize and publication. He started his specialty training in Dermatology in Dakar (Senegal) as part of the Dermatology-Venerology Diploma of Specialized Studies in 2016. During the 3rd year he completed an internship at "Ordre de Malte Dakar" specialized in leprology. Presently, he is completing an internship at the Saint-Louis hospital in Paris.
He has participated in numerous congresses and continuous education days including «Les Journées Dermatoloques de Paris 2016, 2017 et 2018 ».
His professional interests are varied and exist primarily in Aesthetic and Surgical Dermatology.
Awarded application
Factors associated with the occurrence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) during acne in a black population of sub-Saharan Africa in Senegal
Team: Abdelmajid Khelif, Assane Diop, Birame Seck, Pauline Diousse, Mariama Bammo, Fatou Diop-Thiam, Astou Diouf-Kebe, Fanta Diop, Mame Tene, Moussa Diallo, Maodo Ndiaye, Antoinette Dione, Anta Soumare, Fatimata Ly
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a common sequel during acne. As the name suggests, it occurs after, and sometimes during, inflammation of the skin. It tends to affect more people of dark phototypes, with increased severity. It is one of the most common reasons for consultation in dermatology for people for dark skin types. PIH can have a major psycho-social impact: impact on the quality of life, avoidance of social life, poor body image and reduction of self-esteem. Despite its high frequency, the factors favouring HPI are still unknown.
There are only few studies specifically related to sub-Saharan African populations. A study published in 2013 in Senegal on the epidemiological-clinical profile of skin disorders at the Institute of Social Hygiene in Dakar over a period of one year found that 8% of patients (n = 991) consultants had acne. Due to its frequency in Senegal and the absence of a study on the factors associated with the occurrence of PIH during acne, we considered it appropriate to carry out this study to identify the risk factors for PIH in people with dark skin and thus provide recommendations for prevention.
This will be a multicenter descriptive and analytical study with prospective collection of data using a pre-established survey for 6 months duration. The sample size is estimated at 1000 patients. We will compare the epidemiological and clinical characteristics as well as the risk factors for the occurrence of acne-induced PIH.
2ND PRIZE GRANT WINNER
DR Evanson KAMURI, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
Dr. Evanson N. Kamuri is a consultant Dermatologist at the Kenyatta National Hospital. He attended The University of Nairobi where he obtained his first degree in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). He worked as a medical officer and later joined The University of London, St. John's Institute of Dermatology where he obtained Master of Science in Clinical Dermatology. He also has a Master Degree in Business Administration (Strategic Management) from The University of Nairobi. He has practiced dermatology for the last 17 years.
He is also a honorary lecturer at The University of Nairobi, college of health sciences, department of medicine. His main interests are; immuno-bullous diseases, acne and aesthetic dermatology. He is the current chairman of the Kenya Association of Dermatologists (KAD) and the president of the African Society Dermatology and Venereology (ASDV). Administratively, he is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Kenyatta National Hospital which is a 2,000 bed capacity regional and National referral hospital in Kenya
Awarded application
Factors associated with the occurrence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) during acne in a black population of sub-Saharan Africa in Senegal
Team: Evanson Kamuri, Jacqueline Kavete, Nancy Ngumbau, Kelvin Wangira
Air pollution is a global problem in the world that causes 3 million premature deaths annually. It has been linked to high rates of skin diseases and as well as respiratory diseases.
Kenya is a growing and developing economy with vast numbers of industries and infrastructural activities in its major cities especially Nairobi. This has caused a rise in air pollution in Nairobi more so than the other cities in the outskirts.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the level of fine particulate matter in the Nairobi's outdoor air is 17 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) which is 70% above the recommended maximum level. However, this figure could even be higher given the absence of a robust air quality monitoring system.
Air pollution has a huge impact on the physical, biochemical and physiological well-being of the human skin therefore, skin quality and appropriate skin products to be used in view of the rising air pollution and its impact is becoming a very important subject. The study seeks to evaluate the clinical and biochemical impacts of air pollution on human skin.
3RD PRIZE GRANT WINNER
Dr Ehiaghe L ANABA, University of Lagos Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
Dr Anaba Ehiaghe is a Dermatologist, Dermatopathologist. She attended the University of Benin where she obtained her First degree in Medicine (MBBS). This was followed a few years later with residency at the Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and the University College Hospital Ibadan with sub-specialisation in Dermatology; and the award of the Fellowships of both the West African College of Physicians and the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College. Dr Anaba also, attended the St. John's Institute of Dermatology, London where she obtained a Master's degree in Dermatopathology.
Dr Anaba has had over 26 years of practice as a Physician and over 7 years of practice of dermatology. Currently, Dr Anaba works in an academic setting, as a lecturer and clinical dermatologist, teaching both medical students and resident doctors. Her areas of interest are; Hair disorders, Laser therapy, Acne, Aesthetic dermatology, Dermatopathology and Vitiligo.
Dr Anaba is a member of various dermatological societies (Local and International). She has attended numerous local and internal dermatology conferences and presented papers at some of these conferences. Dr Anaba has journal publications on various subjects including acne and vitiligo. She is currently, the treasurer of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, the Secretary of the African Society of Dermatopathology.
Dr Anaba is married, has 3 children, lives and works in Lagos, Nigeria.
Awarded application
Community Based Study of the Prevalence, types and Trichoscopic Findings of Hair Loss in Lagos, Nigeria.
Team: Ehiaghe L Anaba, Ruth I Oaku, Olufolakemi Cole.
Background: The true prevalence and types of hair loss in individuals with skin of colour is not known as community studies have not been carried out in these individuals. The hair practices associated with hair loss is not documented. Also, trichoscopic features of these hair disorders has not been widely studied.
Objectives: The aim of the study is to have community based data on hair loss, the types, the hair practices associated with the hair loss and the trichoscopic findings of the observed hair loss types
Study Design: This will be a cross-sectional descriptive study in a designated market. Consenting traders will be studied. Participants will be clinically evaluated by the investigators and findings will be documented with a study questionnaire. Trichoscopy will done on those who have hair loss. Those requiring histological diagnosis and treatment will be referred to the clinic.
Outcome Variables: Hair loss prevalence will be high and traction alopecia will be the most prevalent type. Hair braiding and straightening will be major risk factors for hair loss. Findings from the study will lead to education of the public on preventive measures, counselling and treatment for those who have hair loss.
Follow AfricaDerm @AfricaDerm on Facebook
#AfricaDermatology #LOreal
PRESS CONTACTS:
In Africa
Caroline KING
caroline.king@geostrategicpartners.com
+35 19 17 39 40 88
L'Oréal
Ramez FARAG
EMEA Communication Department
CONTACT
L'ORÉAL AFRICAN HAIR & SKIN RESEARCH GRANT :
Damilola FAJUYIGBE
Damilola.fajuyigbe@rd.loreal.com
+33 (0)6 02 00 17 36
