The African Teledermatology Project: Providing access to dermatologic care and education in sub-Saharan Africa

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine allows health providers in remote areas to transfer information for medical consultation anywhere in the world and serves to support local health workers through discussion and access to pertinent educational materials. Many developing nations have a dire shortage of doctors and other health resources. Therefore, affordable, easy-to-use technologies are imperative for providing care and much needed educational opportunities as well as reducing the limitations imposed by scarce resources.