TY - JOUR
KW - Skin NTDs
KW - Tanzania
KW - Mhealth
KW - dermatology training
KW - primary health workers
KW - competency strengthening
AU - Nelly Mwageni 
AU - Anne Schoenmakers 
AU - Peter Nugus 
AU - Robin van Wijk 
AU - Deusdedit Kamara 
AU - Riziki Kisonga 
AU - Blasdus Njako 
AU - Phellister Nyakato 
AU - Beatrice Mutayoba 
AU - Shigela Marco 
AU - Iddi Kassim Njarita 
AU -  John E. Masenga 
AU - Liesbeth Mieras 
AU - Christa Kasang 
AU - Carolin Gunesch 
AU - Stephen E. Mshana 
AB - <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>

BT - CommunitySkinHealth Journal
DA - 12/2025
IS - 2
LA - ENG
M3 - Article
N2 - <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>

PB -  International Foundation for Dermatology
PY - 2025
SP - 1
EP - 4
T2 - CommunitySkinHealth Journal
TI - From rash to diagnosis: first insights on the impact of formal and informal learning on competency strengthening in primary health workers in Tanzanian skin camps
UR - https://www.ilds.org/documents/485/From_rash_to_diagnosis.pdf
VL - 21
ER -