The practice of skin bleaching, tied to the transatlantic slave trade and European colonization, remains a significant public health issue in Africa despite bans and restrictions on harmful skin-lightening products. According to a recent meta-analysis, a staggering 27.1% of Africans engage in skin bleaching, with Nigeria having the highest prevalence at 77%.

The use of skin lighteners has been linked to various health issues, including skin conditions, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease. The chemicals used in these products, particularly mercury, pose significant health risks by blocking melanin production and removing the top layers of skin through acid production. Despite these risks, many Africans, especially women, continue to use these products, sparking widespread condemnation across the continent.

Nigeria's Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, has expressed concerns about the growing use of skin-bleaching products in Nigeria and Africa, despite their well-documented harmful effects. At a regional workshop in Gabon, Mr. Salako noted that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of bleaching product usage globally, with many of these products containing toxic substances, including mercury, hydroquinone, steroids, and heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and cadmium, which can cause skin damage, organ toxicity, and even cancer.

The Ministry of Health's Cosmetics Safety Management Programme (CSMP) conducted a survey on skin-lightening agent usage, revealing that 52% of manufacturers use these agents in their products. An analysis of 68 studies found that individuals aged 30 and under had the highest skin bleaching prevalence at 55.9%, followed by those aged 31-49 at 25.9%. Surveyed users cited the following reasons for using bleaching cream: 49.38% of women desired smooth and healthy skin, 30.86% sought to enhance their beauty, and approximately 20% aimed to gain social benefits, such as improved marriage prospects and better job opportunities.

The prevalence of skin bleaching varies widely across Africa, with rates ranging from 25% in Mali to 77% in Nigeria. Other countries report intermediate rates: 32% in South Africa, 39% in Ghana, 50% in Senegal, and 66% in Congo-Brazzaville. Additionally, in Zimbabwe, 31.15% of women engage in skin bleaching. These statistics highlight the pervasive use of skin-lightening products across the continent, indicating significant regional variations in skin-bleaching practices.

To address the growing issue of skin bleaching, the World Health Organization (WHO) has partnered with countries to implement and enforce bans on harmful skin-lightening products, particularly those containing mercury and hydroquinone. These collaborations aim to protect public health by phasing out toxic ingredients linked to severe health risks while promoting safer alternatives.

The widespread use of skin-bleaching products in Africa has significant implications for public health, economic development, and social norms. As stakeholders raise concerns about the harmful effects of these products, it is essential to promote education, awareness, and stricter regulations to address this pervasive issue.

In conclusion, the persistence of skin bleaching in Africa despite bans and restrictions highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address this public health issue. By promoting safer alternatives, enforcing stricter regulations, and raising awareness about the harmful effects of skin-bleaching products, we can work towards a healthier and more informed continent.