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 Ruita TAKAGI
About seven years ago, the development of the eSkinHealth system began after I met our Board Chair, Dr. Yotsu, at a gathering organized by the Medical Industry Cooperation Project under the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Subsequently, through discussions and trial and error with the medical professionals and the engineers at Trilobite Co., Ltd., where I serve as the representative, we were able to develop a teledermatology system tailored for use in developing countries.
It is truly remarkable that a group of engineers from a small and medium-sized company can engage in tackling global issues as a form of self-expression. I feel fortunate to have encountered wonderful initiatives.