Imagine spending over 1.2 million shillings every single month just to keep a painful skin condition under control. That’s the financial reality haunting Dar es Salaam resident Frank Latamani, whose battle with psoriasis has turned from a health nightmare into an economic one.
For more than ten years, Latamani has lived with this chronic autoimmune disease, which causes dry, scaly patches and severe discomfort. But the most unbearable part, he explains, isn’t only the physical pain — it’s the crushing cost of staying alive and functional. “Each month,” he says, “I must buy two bottles of injectable steroids and three tubes of ointment. Together, that’s about 1,270,000/-. For a retiree, it’s devastating. You start wondering whether to pay for food, children’s schooling, or medicine.” His words capture a struggle familiar to many, yet rarely spoken aloud.
What began around 2012 as a few itchy spots on the scalp and small bumps on his legs quickly evolved into something far worse. By 2016, the lesions had spread to his head, waist, and legs. After several visits to different health centers and countless misdiagnoses, a dermatologist at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) finally conducted a biopsy that confirmed psoriasis — a lifelong, incurable condition that demands constant treatment to manage symptoms.
Desperate for relief, Latamani flew to Apollo Hospital in India in late 2020, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to contributions totaling about 30 million shillings from family and friends, he underwent intensive injectable therapy that quickly improved his symptoms, albeit temporarily. Over the years, he has endured several of psoriasis’ eight known types, including palmoplantar psoriasis, which makes walking and handling objects excruciatingly difficult, and inverse psoriasis, affecting sensitive areas like skin folds.
Since retiring in 2021, the cost of treatment has become his greatest burden. The constant financial pressure has taken a deep mental toll — stripping him of self-esteem, driving him into isolation, and fueling anxiety and depression. “Friends gradually fade away,” he admits. “They think you always need something from them.”
His experience isn’t unique. Jolly Digallu, the treasurer of the Tanzania Psoriasis Association (PSORATA), echoes the sentiment that the high cost of treatment is driving patients to despair. “One injection alone costs around 400,000/-. How can an average income earner or pensioner afford that?” she asks, highlighting a critical gap that policymakers can no longer ignore.
Latamani believes it’s high time the Ministry of Health steps in to create a dedicated support system for psoriasis patients — most of whom are above 35 and face lifelong financial and emotional challenges. Dermatologist Dr. Magdalena Dennis from MNH confirms that although psoriasis isn’t common in Tanzania, cases do exist and are growing in visibility. She notes that MNH’s dermatology clinics treat between 300 and 500 patients weekly, with at least one typically diagnosed with psoriasis.
Globally, psoriasis impacts 2–3% of the population — roughly 125 million people. It’s an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly speeds up skin cell production, leading to painful inflammation and cracked, scaly skin. More concerningly, it often coexists with other chronic illnesses like high blood pressure and diabetes.
Founded in 2006, PSORATA now supports around 300 members nationwide. The organization provides emotional guidance, health education, and advocacy for better access to treatment. For many members, it’s a vital lifeline that helps them confront not just the visible symptoms, but the hidden burden of stigma and isolation.
But here’s where it gets controversial: should life-sustaining medications really cost this much in a public health system meant to protect the vulnerable? And if psoriasis affects thousands quietly across the country, why aren’t there more affordable treatment options or awareness campaigns?
What do you think — is the healthcare system failing patients like Frank Latamani, or are high drug prices an unavoidable consequence of specialized medicine? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.
