02596nas a2200385   4500000000100000008004100001260005500042653001400097653001300111653001200124653002500136653002700161653002900188100001900217700002300236700001700259700002000276700002200296700002000318700001900338700002400357700002300381700001900404700002500423700002200448700002100470700002000491700002100511700002300532245016700555856006600722300000800788490000700796520140700803       2025                            d  c12/2025b International Foundation for Dermatology10aSkin NTDs10aTanzania10aMhealth10adermatology training10aprimary health workers10acompetency strengthening1 aNelly Mwageni 1 aAnne Schoenmakers 1 aPeter Nugus 1 aRobin van Wijk 1 aDeusdedit Kamara 1 aRiziki Kisonga 1 aBlasdus Njako 1 aPhellister Nyakato 1 aBeatrice Mutayoba 1 aShigela Marco 1 aIddi Kassim Njarita 1 a John E. Masenga 1 aLiesbeth Mieras 1 aChrista Kasang 1 aCarolin Gunesch 1 aStephen E. Mshana 00aFrom rash to diagnosis: first insights on the impact of formal and informal learning on competency strengthening in primary health workers in Tanzanian skin camps  uhttps://www.ilds.org/documents/485/From_rash_to_diagnosis.pdf  a1-40 v213 a<p>This qualitative study presents preliminary findings from the Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for Leprosy (PEP4LEP) and PEP4LEP 2.0 studies in Tanzania, exploring how health workers learn to diagnose and manage skin diseases, including neglected tropical diseases such as leprosy. Interviews with ten primary health workers revealed that hands-on experience, mentoring, and use of the NLR SkinApp enhanced both formal and informal learning. The results of the study underscore the value of integrating structured training with real-world clinical practice and opportunities for continuing professional development.</p>

<p><strong>Key Learning Points</strong></p>

<ul>
	<li>Given the shortage of dermatologists in many African countries, primary health workers – many of whom have limited dermatological expertise – are often the main point of contact for patients with common skin diseases, as well as skin NTDs.</li>
	<li>Preliminary findings from the PEP4LEP 2.0 studies demonstrate the importance of integrating formal education in dermatology for primary health workers&nbsp;with ongoing, informal, context-based learning opportunities.</li>
	<li>A hybrid approach to competency building – combining classroom teaching, on-the-job learning, peer and digital support – can sustainably improve skin healthcare in rural areas with limited access to dermatological services.</li>
</ul>