Côte d’Ivoire, together with Nigeria, Togo, Micronesia, China, Colombia and Egypt, is leading an initiative to position skin diseases firmly on the global public health agenda by proposing a World Health Assembly Resolution on “Skin diseases as a global public health priority”.
Stimulated by the Universal Health Coverage framework (SDG indicator 3.8.1), a coalition of civil society organisations, including patient groups, healthcare professionals, academia, and philanthropists, has been advocating to reduce the burden of skin diseases globally. These groups are: International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organisations (GlobalSkin), International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), International Foundation for Dermatology, Health Diplomacy Alliance, Anesvad Foundation, Geneva University Hospitals, Neglected Tropical Disease NGO Network, Skin Cross-Cutting Group, World Skin Health Coalition. [Add photo of logos]
Impacting an estimated 2 billion people globally, skin diseases and wounds affect individuals of all ages and are one of the most common reasons for seeking medical help. Yet, they remain disproportionately neglected in national and global health priorities. Despite their widespread impact, skin diseases are often not prioritised due to their primarily non-fatal nature, resulting in serious health and economic consequences.
The effects of skin conditions extend beyond physical suffering, including social stigma, mental health impacts, and lost productivity, exacerbating inequalities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Skin diseases are increasingly influenced and exacerbated by climate change, affecting the most vulnerable in society.
Previous initiatives at this level have targeted individual conditions. It is now time to combine these efforts. An integrated strategy will improve health outcomes, access to care, and treatment, particularly for vulnerable populations.
WHO 156th Executive Board – Skin Diseases as a Global Health Priority
The 156th Executive Board meeting of the World Health Organisation was held February 3-11, 2025, in Geneva. Deliberations on skin diseases took place on February 5 & 7, highlighting the growing recognition of skin diseases as a global health priority.
On February 10, 2025, the 156th WHO Executive Board recommended that the WHA Skin Diseases Resolution proceed for adoption at the 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025.
What will a WHA Resolution on Skin Diseases Achieve?
The Skin Diseases Resolution is focused on all skin diseases , including allergies, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, genetic diseases, vascular diseases, cancers, infections (viral, bacterial and fungal) and rare autoinflammatory diseases. It prioritises the perspectives of patients and their caregivers in all aspects of planning and implementation.
Key aspects of the Resolution:
- Development of a Global Action Plan to establish a framework for addressing skin diseases globally, focusing on prevention, early detection, effective treatment, and long-term care, with specific targets.
- Calls for dedicated health investment to expand expertise through training, particularly among primary health care workers, enabling timely diagnosis and effective support for those living with skin diseases.
- Supports the expansion of research, surveillance and data collection to provide innovative diagnostic tools and new treatments.
- Promotes equitable access to cost-effective, affordable and high-quality treatment
- Supports integrated services for skin diseases into current disability, rehabilitation and mental health policies
More Support is Needed!
Resources have been developed to support civil society in effectively advocating for the adoption of the draft Resolution on Skin Diseases at the 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025.
Leading up to and onsite at the WHA78, this campaign seeks to galvanise international support for a Resolution that would drive investment in resources, research, and healthcare interventions.
The core campaign objective is to raise awareness about the Skin Diseases Resolution and garner support from Member States to advance this important cause. Support the Campaign.
Side-Event during WHA78
A high-level event will be held during the week of the 78th World Health Assembly, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 18:00 – 20:00. Registration link
This critical in-person discussion will centre around the groundbreaking resolution, “Skin Diseases as a Global Health Priority”. Traditionally overlooked due to their non-fatal nature, skin diseases impact over 2 billion people worldwide, significantly affecting quality of life and economic productivity. This resolution, led by Côte d’Ivoire and co-sponsored by Colombia, China, Egypt, Micronesia, Nigeria, and Togo, marks a transformative shift in global health policy, advocating for an integrated, patient-centred response to skin health.
This event will explore how the proposed resolution:
✔ Recognises the broad impact of skin diseases—beyond their medical symptoms, they impose substantial social, psychological, and financial burdens. The resolution promotes holistic care that addresses stigma, mental health, and patient well-being.
✔ Strengthens primary healthcare systems by urging Member States to integrate skin care into routine healthcare services, enhance diagnostic capabilities, and invest in healthcare workforce training.
✔ Mobilises resources and innovation—calling on governments, donors, and civil society to fund sustainable solutions, including digital diagnostics and teledermatology, to reach underserved communities.
✔ Ensures sustained global action—encouraging ongoing dialogue, national action plans, and regular updates at the World Health Assembly to adapt to emerging challenges, including climate-related skin health concerns.
Conclusion
Improving skin health globally requires integrated care models that include dermatological management, wound care, prevention of loss of function, and mental health support. Investments in training healthcare workers, particularly on the frontline, and research into social determinants of skin diseases are essential. Advocacy and funding should enhance research capacity, develop diagnostic tools and treatments, and expand skin health databases to optimise resource allocation and evaluate interventions. Addressing the impact of climate change on skin health through tailored research and healthcare provider training is also critical.
These efforts aim to achieve “Skin Health for All,” improving health outcomes and economic productivity by addressing the medical and socioeconomic impacts of skin diseases worldwide.
By working together, we can ensure the adoption of the Skin Diseases Resolution and prioritise skin health for all.
Acknowledgements: Much gratitude to Côte d’Ivoire and co-sponsors Colombia, China, Egypt, Micronesia, Nigeria, and Togo for their leadership in making skin health a public health priority.
The International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organisations (also known as GlobalSkin) is a unique global alliance, committed to improving the lives of skin patients worldwide. We nurture relationships with members, partners and all involved in healthcare, building dialogue with decision-makers around the globe to promote patient-centred healthcare. GlobalSkin works to empower its more than 320 patient association members ─ located in 74 countries, representing more than 59 disease areas ─ to reach more patients and provide them with greater support, education, and advocacy. Globalskin.org
About the Author
Jennifer joined the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (GlobalSkin) as Executive Director in 2016 – one short year after the organization was founded – and became Chief Executive Officer in 2021. Jennifer has been a key architect in building the organization, including its vibrant and connected global community of dermatology patient organizations.
Jennifer Austin is a skilled strategist, seasoned leader and committed patient advocate with nearly 30 years of experience in communications, organizational growth, and stakeholder engagement. Her career has included senior leadership positions in Canada’s Parliament and several national NGOs.
She provides patient perspective input and strategic advice to a variety of bodies including the WHO’s Civil Society Commission, Patient-Focused Medicines Development (PFMD) Board of Directors, and International League of Dermatological Societies’ Patient Organisations Working Group.
