Hearts in Action: A Future Without Skin Cancer Alongside África Directo

When we talk about our journey to Mozambique, we are talking about one of the most transformative projects in ISDIN history. An initiative that began almost five years ago together with the África Directo Foundation, driven by a shared dream: a future without skin cancer. Since then, every expedition has been a testament to commitment, science, and compassion.

In Mozambique, albinism isn’t just a genetic condition—it’s a daily challenge. People with albinism lack natural protection against the sun, exposing them to an extreme risk of skin cancer. That is why our annual expeditions are not limited to treatment alone but also focus on prevention, education, and long-term support.

Past, present, and a brighter future

In 2022, ISDIN partnered with the África Directo Foundation to launch a series of dermatological expeditions. The goal was clear: address the urgent health challenges faced by people with albinism in Mozambique.

Since then, we’ve sent expert dermatologists from around the world to deliver advanced medical care, sun protection, and, above all, hope to these communities.

What is albinism? Albinism is a genetic condition that reduces or eliminates pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. This makes individuals more vulnerable to sun damage and skin cancer—especially in regions with intense exposure, like Mozambique.

Inside an ISDIN dermatological expedition

Each year, we combine medical action, education, and social commitment. We perform skin cancer surgeries, provide dermatological care to thousands of patients, and deliver sun protection and prevention where it is needed most. But behind all of this, there’s something even greater: a network of people who work together to make it a reality.

We put our community at the heart of it all. As an Isdinlover, you can donate your points to support the volunteer program. Thanks to this collaboration, every year we deliver thousands of sunscreens and help educate local communities about skin cancer prevention. Because when we work together, the impact multiplies.

2025: A year of solidarity and progress

This year, together with the África Directo Foundation, we traveled to six provinces across the country to continue bringing dermatological care to the most vulnerable communities.

During our sixth expedition, we treated more than 1,200 people and performed over 300 skin cancer surgeries. In addition, we are training more than 200 local healthcare professionals through ISD’s course on albinism and skin cancer.

Where we were: The expedition focused on areas in critical need, including Maputo Central Hospital, Nampula Central Hospital, Beira General Hospital, and the Provincial Hospitals of Xai-Xai, Tete, and Inhambane.

Building heartfelt connections

Seventeen dermatologists from eight countries traveled together, united by a common purpose: to bring education, health, and hope where it is needed most. But we did not travel alone. We traveled with everyone who, year after year, joins this cause and makes it possible for dermatological care to reach more corners of Mozambique.

Our CEO, Juan Naya, once again joined the expedition to continue strengthening this partnership with the local community.

“We are fully committed to this project and working closely with the local community, with whom we have formed an alliance to expand these expeditions and reach more and more people with albinism. All with the hope of a future without skin cancer—one where our help is no longer needed.”

Juan Naya, CEO of ISDIN

Building a future without skin cancer

Each year, the voices of those who take part in the expedition remind us of the true meaning of this project. They are dermatologists who step away from their daily routines to share their time, knowledge, and training where it is needed most.

Through their words, we understand that what we do in Mozambique goes far beyond medicine—it’s a lesson in humanity, empathy, and commitment.

“The preventive aspect is extremely important; in fact, it is the most important measure. A patient with albinism who correctly follows sun protection measures can prevent most, if not all, cases of skin cancer.”

Dr. Renzo Espinoza, volunteer dermatologist from Peru

“They need a great deal of support. They are isolated from cutting-edge medicine and from advanced educational training as well. I feel it is our responsibility to bring that to these patients.”

Dr. Larisa Lopes, volunteer dermatologist from Brazil

“Albinism has a significant impact on their school life, their professional lives… So you’re not just contributing medically, but also in a broader social context.”

Dr. Marite Rosas, volunteer dermatologist from Mexico

Looking ahead

In Mozambique, more than 30,000 people with albinism face extreme challenges. Today, we are reaching more communities than ever before, but there is still a long road ahead. This number isn’t a limit, it’s the reason we keep moving forward.

At ISDIN, we continue to bring care and hope through our dermatological expeditions in Mozambique, as well as in the San Blas Archipelago (Panama), with the goal of making dermatology accessible where it’s needed most. Together, we’ve made an impact with:

• 9 dermatological expeditions
• 68 sponsored dermatologists deployed to Mozambique and Panama
• 1,000+ skin cancer surgeries performed
• 5,600+ skin examinations conducted

Together with the África Directo Foundation, we challenge skin cancer. Each expedition is a renewed promise to keep multiplying efforts to build a future in which skin cancer is nothing more than a memory.

It’s proof that small actions have the power to transform lives. Because this story doesn’t end here: it lives on in every person who believes that compassion can change the world.

Amy is a content strategist who turned a part-time obsession with skincare into a full-time passion. Her experience as a creative storyteller includes a range of lifestyle and technology topics across Washington D.C. and Barcelona. What’s in her travel bag? Eye contour cream and sunscreen, always.