Blog

On Monday, April 27, 2026, the Alanine market served as the setting for a community awareness activity organized by Echo Health UNIGOM, in collaboration with the Association of Skin Patients ECZEMA RDC. This initiative is part of the national campaign to combat the stigma of people living with dermatological diseases.

A participatory approach centered on the community

Starting at noon, the activity was marked by the holding of interactive focus groups bringing together traders and customers of the market. Through these direct exchanges, the facilitators presented the main objectives of the campaign, namely:

- To fight against discrimination related to skin diseases;

- To guide sick individuals towards appropriate health facilities;

- To deconstruct myths and false beliefs;

- To encourage the integration of affected individuals into psychosocial support groups, particularly within the ECZEMA RDC Association.

Deconstructing prejudices and valuing lived experiences

A participatory survey was also conducted to assess the level of knowledge of participants about skin diseases, particularly eczema. The discussions helped to dispel several misconceptions, including those that wrongly associate eczema with a contagious disease or mystical practices.

These exchanges were enriched by testimonies from traders, who shared their personal experiences and perceptions, which helped to establish a climate of trust and open dialogue.

Towards better guidance and care for patients

In a perspective of concrete support, the organizers collected the contacts of sick individuals or their relatives. This approach aims to facilitate their guidance towards suitable health structures, particularly through the sharing of the call center of the ECZEMA RDC Association.

UNIGOM, an actor of social transformation

With this initiative from Echo Health, the University of Goma reaffirms its commitment to promoting community health and combating all forms of stigma. By bringing research, communication, and field action closer together, UNIGOM actively contributes to building a more inclusive and better-informed society.