Psoriasis association ran in the marathon

World Psoriasis Day

On October 25, PAK members participated in the Standard Chartered Nairobi International Marathon, the largest athletic event in Kenya. The race was flagged off at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi West and finished at the same venue after what the runners described as a grueling challenge through the city streets.

Members who ran alongside international and some of Kenya’s elite runners included Dr Hoseah Waweru, Dr Evans Kamuri, Hellen Wangui, Alice Gatere, George Oloo, Samuel Kagai, Karen Limo, Edna Mwaura, Edel Mutiso, Francis Macharia and Risper Amakhule.

The runners were cheered on by the rest of the PAK members who turned out in large numbers led by Joyce Oloo, one of our oldest members who also helped hold up the PAK banner at the starting line before the race. All PAK members received t-shirts and caps emblazoned with the PAK logo and colours. PAK sponsored and kitted the team.

There were different categories in the marathon full, half and the 3km family marathon that had young kids and their parents trying to outdo each other. Irene Jerotich and Mosses Kigen won this year’s race. Both set course records of 2:28:57 and 2:10:12 respectively.

On 29^th October 2009, the Chairman of PAK, Dr Waweru, had a breakfast show on K24 TV station talking on Psoriasis and World Psoriasis Day activities. Later on at 4.30pm, he gave a CME to the Division of Medicine at the Nairobi Hospital on "Changing paradigms in Psoriasis care". It was attended by over 70 health professionals.

On the same evening of October 29th, PAK hosted health professionals to a sumptuous dinner at Serena Hotel, Nairobi. The PAK Chairman, Dr Hoseah Waweru gave a talk on psoriasis. He pointed out that the last studies carried out on psoriasis in Kenya, dated back to the 1960’s and 1970’s. He suggested that dermatologists in attendance get together the data available that will identify among other things regional incidences of psoriasis and patient profiles.

Dr Waweru emphasized the importance of educating the public and health workers on psoriasis and creating awareness to avoid confusion about psoriasis.  This confusion, he added, leads to psoriasis being treated as other conditions and vice-versa. He suggested that it would help if health workers were empowered to deal with primary care in controlling the condition so that the patient only sees the doctor if there is a change in the condition or if there is a need to change medication. Dr Waweru used slides to show the T-cell moves to the skin, types of psoriasis, and treatments currently available.

Dr Abda Khan, a member of the Medical Advisory Board and Chairperson of the Kenya Association of Dermatologists, chaired a lively question and answer session. Dr Waweru presented the dermatologists with the book, Psoriasis Atlas Book as well as spotlights with key holders which were distributed by IFPA to create awareness for IFPA’s "Under the Spotlight" project.
To crown what has been a generally active year, a symposium for members and dermatologists has been planned for 5th December.

Reported by Chebet Karago, Secretary, Psoriasis Association of Kenya.

Pictures from the marathon