Problem
Underrepresentation of Black Skin: Over 80% of clinical dermatology images in standard textbooks and online resources depict conditions on lighter skin tones, leading to misdiagnoses, delayed treatment, and poorer outcomes for patients with darker skin.
Clinical Uncertainty: Frontline physicians and trainees often “guess” when they see rashes or lesions on Black skin—undermining confidence and equity in care.
Education Gap: Medical curricula rarely include adequate visual references for dermatological conditions in Black populations, leaving a generation of clinicians under-prepared.

Product
Dermafricans Visual Database: A web-based repository showcasing high-resolution, peer-reviewed images of skin conditions on Black skin.
Incentivized Crowdsourcing: A submission platform that rewards verified clinicians, students, and patients for contributing new, de-identified photos—rapidly expanding our library.
Diagnostic Assistant(In Development): Upload a photo and receive probabilistic differential diagnoses based on our curated image set.
Product Recommender(In Development): Suggests evidence-based topical treatments and skincare regimens tailored to skin type and condition.

Impact/potential
Improved Diagnostic Accuracy: By equipping clinicians with the right visual references, we reduce misdiagnoses and accelerate treatment initiation.
Educational Transformation: Medical schools can integrate Dermafricans into their teaching, elevating competency in dermatology for darker skin tones.
Scalable Equity: As submissions grow, the platform becomes ever more representative—bridging the global equity gap in dermatology.
Commercial & Research Partnerships: Data and insights can inform pharmaceutical R&D, HMO training programs, and public-health surveillance.
Long-Term Vision: Evolve into the go-to AI-driven skin-health platform for both clinicians and consumers across Africa and the diaspora—shaping standards of care and product development.