Introduction and Background Information

RDTC Was founded in Moshi with the material, financial and human resource support of the government of Tanzania, the Good Samaritan Foundation and the International Foundation for Dermatology. The RDTC is a supra-regional training, research and clinical centre providing facilities for the care of patients with skin disorders, leprosy and sexually transmitted infections and for training health care professionals from different African countries. It works closely with regional, national and international institutions, including the World Health Organisation, to deliver its mission in teaching and clinical service.

The first director of the Center was Professor Henning Grossman and he was succeeded by Professor John Masenga. Together they have established a service and training programme covering all aspects of dermatology, helped by visiting teaching faculty and a strong and expanding local team, which has allowed the development of specific initiatives such as a regional perons with albinism programme.

One of the latest projects is an inpatient ward (The Herbert Stiefel Ward), which will be linked to other facilities such as a burns unit. In addition work will shortly start on a small building in the RDTC compound for the training of PWA in local preparation of sun screens and in indoor occupations such as tailoring. The PWA programme has also benefited from the Hats on for Skin health initiative, a joint venture of Stiefel/GSK/ILDS project; 2000 hats have already been distributed to PWA in 6 countries and sufficient funds are available for a further 3,000. This has alerted other donors to the plight of albinos and work to expand the outreach activities of the RDTC beyond the Arusha area is being developed by a branch of the French Rotary.

The principle objective of the Center is the care of skin disease seen in locality together with training leaders of health care at front line level, usually senior clinical officers or nurses, through a two year University based Diploma course; a second training scheme (M. Med) provides for a four year specialist training in dermatovenereology for junior doctors which is now a training pathway recognised for specialist accreditation by 7 African countries. The Diploma course has trained over 230 senior clinical officers from 13 different countries. The students have also performed health service research projects as part of their training and these provide a unique insight into prevalence, need and demand for health care at community level.

With time other facilities, such as a library, a pharmaceutical compounding unit, a student hostel, accommodation for visiting teaching faculty have been added.

Histopathology Services

The RDTC Histopathology Laboratory,located within the RDTC compound, offers comprehensive fee-for-service histopathology services for both diagnostic and research purposes. We handle all kinds of surgical pathology specimens for a wide range of pathological conditions that require histopathological analysis. Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for processing and handling formalin fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) and fresh frozen tissue specimen for routine H&E staining as well as special staining such as PAS, Iron Colloidal stain, Job-Fitte stain etc. Our laboratory is also equipped with an ultra-modern microimaging network instrument (the LEICA MDM 108) for telepathology services. The equipment is connected to broadband secure internet capable of sharing images and teleconferencing.

Units/Sections Within The Department

1. Pharmacy - Shangwe Mtunguja
2. Immunofluoresence - Dr.Lulyritha Kini/Dr.Jere Mshana/George Semmango
3. Mohs-Frozensection(Biopsy) - Dr.Lulyritha Kini/Dr.Daudi Rajabu Mavura/George Semmango
4. Lazer Therapy – Dr. Daudi Rajabu Mavura/Dr.Nelson Mosha
5. Counselling – Willina Mosha
6. Dermato-Surgery – Dr. Daudi Rajabu Mavura/Dr. Nelson Mosha
7. Radiotherapy – Dr. Daudi Rajabu Mavura/Prof. Elisante Masenga/Dr. Jere Mshana
8. Public Health – Dr. Alfred Naburi
9. Medical Record – Lidya Msele
10. Medical Photography – Dr. Daudi Rajabu Mavura/Dr. Lulyritha Kini
11. Kilimanjaro Sunscreen Production Unit- Eng. Ebenezer Fabian
12. Statistics and ICT – Petro Nsalu
13. PUVA Therapy – Dr. Herielly Msuya/Dr. Jere Mshana

Diagnostic Services

1. Clinical Laboratory – Silvestella Ngowi
2. Dermatopathology – Dr. Lulyritha Kini
3. Allergology - Dr. Herielly Msuya

Activities

1. Health care education to all patients.
2. Implementing 5s activities and IPC practices procedure.
3. Participate in Albino and XP outreach clinic monthly
4. Teaching and supervision of students.
5. Care of patients including out and in patients as well as palliative patients.
6. Provide pre and post counseling testing including CTC services.
7. Daily cleanliness of the clinic, ward, and theatre environment.
8. Collection of blood sample as requested by doctor.
9. Provide chemotherapy on Tuesday and Thursday.
10. Day care surgery.
11. Out reach clinics STIs, Leprosy and community Dermatology.
12. Production of topical medications for skin diseases.
13. Production of sunscreen for PWA.