Board Members
Board Chair Rie YOTSU
With the goal of “Skin Health for All”, I have been working and engaging in activities as a dermatologist in the field of global health. During my visits to various countries, I have witnessed numerous individuals affected by skin diseases. However, these conditions are mostly not life-threatening, so they are often overlooked by both patients and medical staff as a daily occurrence – and not taken seriously. I have encountered many patients whose conditions worsened during this oversight. Why couldn’t we have diagnosed and treated them earlier? Additionally, since the skin is an organ that covers and protects the body, maintaining skin health is crucial for preventing various diseases. It is these thoughts and experiences that have shaped my current activities.
Our activities are not limited to skin diseases. Everything is interconnected. To maintain healthy skin, it is essential to improve hygiene conditions and ensure access to clean water. In particular, skin diseases are prone to stigma and discrimination as their conditions are visible. Eliminate stigma and discrimination so that patients can still obtain education or work. So that they can still live with their families and in their communities. By using the “skin” as an entry point, By addressing the skin, I aspire to make a positive impact on society.
Clover Health International is a unique organization comprised of medical professionals and technicians. Together, we tackle global challenges.
Vice Board Chair Norihisa ISHII
I became a doctor with the belief that I could work anywhere. However, reality drew my interest to things around me. During my student years, I spent every summer as a member of the Japanese Red Cross Volunteer Group and participated in mission to villages without a doctor, staying overnight at elementary schools. I began my medical career as a dermatologist. Over time, I have specialized in various skin infections, particularly leprosy (Hansen’s disease), mycobacterial infections, scabies, head lice, and sexually transmitted diseases.
When considering health in developing countries, “skin” becomes a key factor. The skin is visible and can be self-improved. To maintain healthy skin, hygiene education is essential. Clover Health International takes action by promoting small steps forward such as by improving hand hygiene and access to clean water. I would like to work hand in hand with the people of developing countries through various activities, from skin care to general health, education for health, human resource development through education, and international cooperation.
“To live each day in good health and high spirits. To engage in joyful conversations with many friends.” This is my dream, which I will not let it end as a mere dream.
I like the smiles of people in developing countries.
Board Member Hiroko OISHI
Throughout my involvement in global health, I have witnessed disparities in access to healthcare. Many lives could have been saved if we had been able to get to the right equipment and people, if we had had the knowledge to know when care was needed.
In recent years, with the experience of the COVID-10 pandemic, the demand for telemedicine has increased worldwide. This is even more so in developing countries where access to healthcare is more limited. While skin diseases may not be immediately life-threatening, through the developed “eSkinHealth” system, we hope to find patients with skin diseases that have been overlooked and facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, we hope to contribute to the overall improvement of health of the entire community and meet many smiles.
Audit Manager Mariko MIKAMI
I have had the honor of joining and supporting the activities led by Chairperson Dr. Rie Yotsu, whom I deeply respect, and her vision of “Skin Health for All.” I am a dermatologist practicing in Yokohama. Since my early years, I have been mentored by Vice Chairperson Dr. Norihisa Ishii, and alongside my daily dermatology practice, I have passionately devoted myself to combating skin infections and promoting international healthcare. My aspiration to pursue medicine was inspired by the spirit of service instilled in me during my years at the Sacred Heart School, which I attended from elementary through high school. Driven by a desire to contribute to the well-being of patients and to stand by their side, I have long dreamed of working in underserved areas and developing countries.
Currently, I specialize in skin infections, striving for early diagnosis and treatment. As Chairperson Yotsu has highlighted, there are still many patients worldwide suffering from severe complications, contractures, and deformities caused by delayed diagnoses, as well as the stigma and discrimination that often follow. I sincerely hope for a society where such cases are significantly reduced and where individuals can access education to foster proper understanding.
The “One Health” concept—which encompasses global environmental improvement, antimicrobial resistance measures, and the prevention of zoonotic diseases—will undoubtedly become essential for tackling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the future. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute my experience, including my role as a board member of the One Health Science Society, to the activities of Clover Health International.
Financial and Operations Manager Ruita TAKAGI
We are a small group of dedicated medical professionals, international cooperation specialists, and engineers united in our goal to eradicate NTDs, a global issue.
Even though each individual’s power may be small, by combining our wisdom and coming together, we aim to create a wave that can change the tide.
NTDs have become a close-to-home issue, no longer just a problem for distant countries, as global warming and the globalization of distribution continue to progress.
In Japan, too, due to aging infrastructure and population decline resulting from an aging society, there is a possibility that NTDs may emerge and spread in the future.
Learning from Covid-19, I believe that gathering accurate knowledge about diseases, as well as records of diagnosis and treatment, is crucial to national interests.
What we can currently contribute includes the development, operation, and improvement of teledermatology systems, as well as providing advice on diagnosis and treatment.
We would like to express our respect and gratitude to all the staff working tirelessly on the ground.
Communication and Dissemination Manager Sumiko MIIDA
There are people suffering from curable diseases – had felt like a story from a different world and something that I once knew as mere knowledge. Upon receiving the opportunity from Clover Health International, it has now become a tangible reality. There are many case photos that are not posted on the website, and they truly are heartbreaking.
During my more than 25 years of experience in marketing, I have been supported by many individuals and gained experience in various situations. I aim to leverage this experience to contribute to Clover Health International’s activities. I will strive to deliver more information in a clear and understandable manner through our website and social media platforms, not only to our members and supporters, but also to those who have shown interest in Clover Health International.