Tag: infectious
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Skin Diseases as a Global Health Priority
Elevating Skin Health: Advancing the WHA Resolution on Skin Diseases
Co-hosted by the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (GlobalSkin), International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), Anesvad Foundation, and the Health Diplomacy Alliance
Supported by World Skin Health Coalition
Background: Skin diseases affect people globally, with an estimated 4.69 billion cases reported in the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. More than 3000 skin conditions have been underrecognized because of their largely non-fatal nature and remain overlooked in global health financing, training, and research. The resolution “Skin Diseases as a Global Public Health Priority” led by Côte d’Ivoire and co-sponsored by China, Colombia, Egypt, Micronesia, Nigeria, and Togo, marks a transformative milestone in our approach to skin health, making skin conditions a formal public-health priority, critical towards attaining Universal Health Coverage.
In this context, the event convened Ministers, diplomats, World Health Organization (WHO) officials, patient advocates, not-for-profit organizations, and clinicians to align political momentum, map next steps for Member-State consultations, and share lessons from existing skin-health programmes—laying the foundation for achieving “skin health for all.”
Summary:
The event opened with a personal testimony from Toni Roberts, Co-Founder of DEBRA South Africa and a person living with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). She highlighted crucial patient perspectives underscoring that her skin condition, EB, presents a life-and-death situation for patients as health systems are not equipped to respond to it with necessary care, training, and resources. Her remarks resounded an urgent need for investment in diagnosis, early intervention, and training frontline workers to address the health systems gaps.
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall, Director Global, Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organisation, stressed that the resolution gives hope and a voice to people with skin diseases, which when left untreated, cause stigma and disability. He highlighted that the resolution strengthens global efforts for early detection and access to treatment for all, while pointing to WHO’s commitment to provide technical assistance to all countries towards achieving skin health for all.
Jennifer Austin, Chief Executive Officer, International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (GlobalSkin), shed light on the stigma, social exclusion and minimization faced by patients of skin diseases, sharing key statistics on their global prevalence and burden. She underscored the commitment of GlobalSkin to reduce access barriers for patients and support people with skin diseases ensuring they can live healthy and fulfilled lives.
This was complemented by a medical perspective delineated by Dr. Claire Fuller, Board Member, International League of Dermatological Societies. She stressed the need to end misdiagnosis by improving access to diagnostic tools, embedding skin-disease surveillance in primary care and scaling tele-dermatology. She highlighted the WHO Academy training and other tools to help frontline workers confidently diagnose and manage the ten common conditions that account for 80% of the burden.
Iñigo Lasa, General Manager, Anesvad Foundation, emphasized the importance of research efforts towards improving the lives of vulnerable people in countries where skin diseases are endemic. Enshrining the pivotal role of small- and medium-sized businesses, he suggested that by mobilizing financing and resources through partnerships, they pave the way for an integrated approach to skin NTDs resting on active case detection and management.
Katherine Urbàez, Executive Director of the Health Diplomacy Alliance, emphasized a bottom-up strategy to combat skin diseases, insisting that strong political will is crucial for accelerating and sustaining progress on skin diseases management. She argued that the resolution acts as an integrated model that links physical- and mental-health while accounting for climate change and antimicrobial resistance and urged governments to integrate skin-disease into their National Action Plans.
His Excellency Minister Pierre N’Gou Dimba, Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage, Cote D’Ivoire, reiterated his country’s support for the resolution in his remarks stressing the importance of prioritising skin diseases as a key objective towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.
Thus, by facilitating dialogue between relevant stakeholders, the discussion delineated next steps and set the tone for consultations and negotiations on the resolution. The event closely examined the current siloed approach to skin diseases and concluded that an integrated resolution is essential for global and national progress towards ensuring skin health for all.
Key takeaways
- Stakeholders remain optimistic about the adoption of the resolution
- Skin disease management must be integrated into UHC benefit packages to ensure early detection, treatment, and psychosocial care.
- Primary-care providers must be trained to recognise and manage the ten most common skin diseases, which account for ~80% of the global burden.
- Patient perspectives must be included in the global discourse as they play a pivotal role in combating stigma and galvanising political commitment.
- Public–private partnerships are essential to mobilize resources and accelerate progress toward skin health for all.
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Addressing the Need for Global Public Health Priority of Skin Diseases
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.
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THE AMR EQUATION: Where Innovation meets urgency – Cross-Sectoral Collaboration for Preventing and Mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance
78th World Health Assembly
May 19, 2025. 12.00 – 14.00 CET
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a medical, social, and policy crisis driving up mortality from both infectious and noncommunicable diseases, intensifying inequality, hindering economic stability, and challenging climate resilience, particularly in low-resource settings. While progress in antimicrobial pipelines is important, tackling drug-resistant infections urgently requires integration across infectious disease prevention, treatment, chronic care, and environmental health system.
In this context, as part of our Pillar of Work on One Health, and current efforts to elevate attention to the threat of AMR, we convened experts from the public and private sector, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and AMR survivors to share their work, experience, and inputs for sustainable solutions to the AMR crisis.
The panel opened with introductory remarks from Katherine Urbáez, Executive Director of the Health Diplomacy Alliance, who also moderated the conversation. Urbáez set the stage for focusing on AMR prevention and mitigation by highlighting the need to explore global actions on AMR, the landscape of healthcare products, gaps in innovative prevention and diagnostics, and the push-and-pull incentives for sustainable financing mechanisms.
This was followed by a panel discussion wherein Professor Dame Sally Davies, UK Special Envoy on AMR, highlighted the importance of the establishing an Independent Panel on Evidence for Action Against AMR. She stressed that an inclusive, representative, and One Health approach driven panel is key to inform evidence-based AMR prevention and mitigation policies, communicating an urgent need for ensuring sustainable funding mechanisms for their implementation.
Providing a glimpse into the regional relevance of the global AMR dialogue, Dr Ntuli Kopologwe, Director General, The East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community, shared the significance of establishing and financing National Action Plans on AMR. He stressed that member states need support to develop surveillance capacity and infrastructure and emphasized the need for strengthening regional partnerships and collaboration centered on a One Health approach.
Bringing the perspective on innovation in medical products, Eva Rennen, Member of the Board of BEAM Alliance and co-founder at Nostics, shared the role of AI in accelerating pace, improving efficiency, and reducing price of novel antibiotics and diagnostics. She discussed incremental versus transformative innovation, stating a need to conceptualize preventive technologies beyond Infection Prevention and Control and WASH, and consider the entire patient journey from a holistic perspective.
In reference to the link of AMR with NCDs, Per Wahlstedt, Expert in Healthcare from Swedish Cancer Society, brought to the fore the relevance of curbing AMR towards improving clinical management of Non-Communicable Diseases. He highlighted that around 300,000 people globally are affected with skin cancer and that AMR is 1.25 times more common in cancer patients. He recommended that AMR stewardship at the hospital and healthcare level is critical for improving quality of care for cancer patients.
Sadhavi Chauhan, Government Engagement and Policy Manager, Access to Medicine Foundation, advanced the conversation on R&D of medical products by complementing it with the perspective of access. She shared the core facets of the AMR Benchmark, a tool that guides responsible production and distribution of antimicrobials and the role of member states in improving access to AMR products by designing supportive policies, regulations and guidelines.
Bringing the story of patients and survivors. Vanessa Carter, Chair, WHO Task Force of AMR Survivors and of Executive Director of the AMR Narrative, provided critical patient perspective to the conversation by sharing her lived experience with drug resistant infections. She stressed the importance of including patient, survivor, and caregiver voices in designing policies to address the burden of AMR, highlighting the key role of awareness, surveillance and financing centred on community partnerships and collaboration.
Our Alliance is committed to leverage diplomacy to support member states and relevant stakeholders to advance action on AMR work and monitor progress on the commitments agreed in the past High-Level Political Declaration on AMR and current global and regional initiatives. This event, by closely examining the determinants for AMR prevention and mitigation and calling for an urgent need to adopt integrated interdisciplinary evidence-based solutions, is a step within our objective to sustain global momentum to reduce the AMR burden.
