Blog

As part of the national campaign against the stigma of skin diseases, the Écho Santé UNIGOM program, in partnership with the Association of Skin Patients ECZÉMA RDC, continues its awareness-raising actions within the communities of Goma.

After successive interventions at the Alanine market and the ZANNER Institute, volunteers have extended their actions to religious settings. This Sunday, May 3, 2026, they marked their presence at the CBCA KATOYI parish during the Sunday service.

A mass awareness campaign at the heart of the religious community

This activity took the form of a mass awareness campaign, led by Joël SYALUHA, champion of the Écho Santé UNIGOM program, and Mrs. Odette ASHA, representative of the ECZÉMA RDC Association. Their intervention, integrated into the service proceedings, captured the attention of the faithful and highlighted the issues related to dermatological diseases.

Dialogue and participation to deconstruct prejudices

At the end of the service, interactive focus groups were organized to encourage direct exchanges with participants. These discussions strengthened the understanding of skin diseases, often surrounded by stereotypes and false beliefs, while encouraging active community involvement.

Promoting inclusion and early care

The main message of this awareness campaign revolved around two major axes:

- reducing stigma and discrimination against people with dermatological diseases;

- encouraging early consultation with a dermatologist to improve the quality of care and prevent complications.

A proximity strategy for social change

By successively investing in markets, schools, and churches, Écho Santé UNIGOM adopts a proximity approach aimed at reaching all components of society. This approach demonstrates the commitment of the University of Goma to promote community health through participatory and inclusive communication actions.

Through this campaign, UNIGOM plays a key role in social transformation and contributes to building a better-informed, more tolerant society that cares for the well-being of all.