BRIDGING THE GAP: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS IN ADDRESSING UNMET DERMATOLOGY SERVICE NEEDS IN UGANDA

Abraham  Mukalazi; Julian  Tumuhairwe  Katungi

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i3.1567

Authors

Abraham Mukalazi MBCHB, Dermatology Department, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. BOX 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
Tumuhairwe Julian Katungi MBCHB, Dermatology Department, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. BOX 1410, Mbarara, Uganda

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i3.1567

Keywords:

Social Media, Dermatology, Uganda, Healthcare Access, Digital Health, Telemedicine, Teledermatology

Abstract

The demand for dermatology services in Uganda far exceeds the available resources, creating significant unmet needs. Social media platforms offer a cost-effective and accessible solution for bridging this gap. This study examines the role of social media in improving dermatology services by providing education, increasing access to care, and enhancing patient-provider communication. Additionally, it highlights challenges such as misinformation, privacy concerns, and the digital divide while proposing strategies to optimize the benefits of social media in dermatology.

Author Biography

Tumuhairwe Julian Katungi , MBCHB, Dermatology Department, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. BOX 1410, Mbarara, Uganda

RESIDENT

DEPARTMENT OF DERMATOLOGY

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