The África Directo Foundation and ISDIN: a joint project that transcends borders, crosses oceans, and touches hearts. It’s a deep commitment that brings more than hope — it brings care, health, and compassion to those who need it most.
In Mozambique, our efforts go beyond dermatology. They extend compassion and resources to thousands of people with albinism, a community that’s both vulnerable and often overlooked. Over the years, we’ve reached individuals facing unimaginable challenges under the intense African sun, doing all we can to offer more than just protection, but understanding.
2024 marks a milestone. Following our latest expedition, we’re celebrating three years of successful dermatological interventions. That means countless miles traveled, thousands of lives transformed, and an impact we’ll never forget. Every consultation, every surgery, and every smile leaves a lasting mark — on Mozambique and in our hearts.
A story of connection
Four years ago, ISDIN began partnering with the África Directo Foundation to launch a series of dermatological expeditions. The goal was clear: address the urgent health challenges faced by people with albinism in Mozambique. Since then, we’ve sent expert dermatologists across continents to deliver advanced medical care, sun protection, and, above all, hope to these communities.
What is albinism? Albinism is a genetic condition that reduces or eliminates pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. This makes individuals more vulnerable to sun damage and skin cancer — especially in regions with intense sun exposure, like Mozambique.
What happens on an ISDIN expedition?
Our expeditions revolve around action. Dermatologists perform critical procedures, including skin cancer surgeries, patient care, and training for local medical professionals. But the impact goes even deeper.
We put our community at the heart of it all. As an Isdinlover, you can donate your loyalty points each year to support our efforts. What happens to your points? They go toward our volunteer program, where we donate thousands of sunscreens and educate communities about proper skin care and sun protection.
And every year, some of our ambassadors and employees get the chance to join the journey and experience its transformative power firsthand.
2024: A year of solidarity and progress
This past fall, our CEO, Juan Naya, led a team to Mozambique. He was joined by our global Isdinceutics ambassador, Judit Mascó, three ISDIN employees — Felicitas, Marta, and Blai — as well as 15 incredible dermatologists from five different countries.
Over the course of ten unforgettable days, the team achieved some truly remarkable things:
- More than 1,000 patients treated with expert diagnoses and care.
- 155 surgeries performed, treating precancerous and cancerous skin conditions.
- 6,000 sunscreens distributed, helping protect people with albinism from harmful sun exposure.
Where we worked: The expedition focused on areas in critical need, including Maputo Central Hospital, Xai-Xai Provincial Hospital, Beira Central Hospital, and locations in the Tete province.
Building heartfelt connections
The most life-changing moments in Maputo Central Hospital can’t be explained with numbers or data points. They were the hugs from children, the smiles of gratitude, and the profound human connections shared.
Dermatologist Dr. Elise Weisert described her experience on the fifth ISDIN and África Directo Foundation expedition, “Seeing these patients in the clinic, teaching them about sun protection, hugging the kids… it’s an incredible feeling. It reminds me why I became a doctor and why I fell in love with dermatology.”
“Seeing these patients in the clinic, teaching them about sun protection, hugging the kids… it’s an incredible feeling. It reminds me why I became a doctor and why I fell in love with dermatology.”
Dr. Elise Weisert, dermatologist
Building a future without skin cancer
Our mission is about more than treating skin conditions. It’s about creating a future where skin cancer is no longer a threat. A future where care and compassion change lives in ways that statistics can’t capture.
As Juan Naya, CEO of ISDIN, said, “We’re fully committed to this project and working hand-in-hand with local organizations to expand our reach. Our goal is to reach even more people with albinism and, ultimately, to create a world where skin cancer is a thing of the past.”
But when it comes to a future without skin cancer, this is only the beginning. At ISDIN, every decision we make is driven by our dream to end skin cancer worldwide using education, intervention, and protection. We’ve started in the areas where we feel we can make the most impact — and you can help by protecting your skin every day.
From office to the field
What do an admissions expert, an influencer marketing specialist, and an international manager all have in common? A life-changing experience that’s worth sharing.
This year, ISD’s Felicitas Panario, and ISDIN’s Marta Silva and Blai Hermoso, joined our fifth expedition to Mozambique. They each brought their unique skills to help make a difference — and returned with experiences they’ll never forget.
“The support ISDIN provides is essential for creating real change. Thanks to this collaboration, we’re improving the lives of thousands of families in Mozambique. It shows how private companies and local organizations can work together to help transform entire communities.”
Marta felt the impact multiply:
“This was, without a doubt, the most enriching experience of my life. The love and care I gave came back to me a thousandfold.”
Blai learned the importance of taking a leap of faith:
“I never imagined that volunteering could have such a big impact on me — both personally and professionally. It was an honor to contribute to this project and to be part of the dream to end skin cancer.”
Looking ahead
In our five total expeditions, more than 50 dermatologists have crossed borders to perform 582 surgeries and provide care for thousands of patients. But we still have a lot more to do. In Mozambique, over 30,000 people make up the community with albinism. Right now, we’ve only been able to reach about ten percent of them.
Together with the África Directo Foundation, we aspire to provide more than medical care and sun protection — we hope to contribute to a brighter future. And while the journey continues, it also lives on in each one of us.
Amy is a content strategist who turned a part-time obsession with skincare into a full-time passion. Her experience as a creative storyteller includes a range of lifestyle and technology topics across Washington D.C. and Barcelona. What’s in her travel bag? Eye contour cream and sunscreen, always.
