Headline: Black Diamond Association Condemns Voluntary Skin Depigmentation in Ouagadougou Conference

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – The Black Diamond Association (ADN) has called for an end to the voluntary depigmentation of the skin, citing its detrimental health impacts and its affront to black identity.

According to a new release by Burkina Information Agency, Camille Djélika Zoungrana, president of the association, made the statement at Joseph Ki-Zerbo University in Ouagadougou during an awareness conference. The conference was themed “Voluntary Depigmentation: A Fad but a Real Public Health Problem.”

Dr. Awa Traoré, a dermatologist and neurologist who spoke at the event, labeled deliberate skin depigmentation as a social scourge for the country. She mentioned that people, often women, come to her clinic wishing to reverse the effects of depigmentation. These patients typically either want to regain their natural skin color or are suffering from skin complications such as infections. Dr. Traoré emphasized the need for a comprehensive evaluation to assess the extent of the damage before advising on corrective measures.

Yasmine Kamena, the sponsor of the ceremony, applauded the efforts of ADN. Kamena, who also champions the cause against skin depigmentation, said she promotes the sale of cosmetics that maintain natural skin color.

Certificates were presented to individuals who support the activities of the ADN association during the conference. Created on May 7, 2022, in Bobo-Dioulasso, the ADN association focuses primarily on skin health and conducts awareness campaigns in schools and universities.