Member States at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) adopted the resolution titled “Skin Diseases as a Global Public Health Priority.”
Led by Côte d’Ivoire and co-sponsored by Colombia, China, Egypt, Micronesia, Nigeria, and Togo, the resolution is a step toward addressing the needs of more than 2 billion people affected by skin conditions worldwide.
The resolution acknowledges the wide-ranging impact of skin conditions including infectious, autoimmune, genetic, and climate-sensitive diseases and calls for a comprehensive, integrated response.
Global Action Plan
The resolution mandates the development of a Global Action Plan that will focus on prevention, early detection, effective treatment, and long-term care, while promoting equitable access to affordable, high-quality services and integrating skin health into broader health systems.
“This resolution marks a turning point,” says Jennifer Austin, CEO of the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (GlobalSkin), in a news release. “For the first time, the voices of people living with skin diseases have been truly heard by Ministers of Health all around the world. Now, we must work together to turn this commitment into meaningful and lasting action.”
“This is a major milestone for global dermatology,” adds Prof. Henry W. Lim, President of the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS). “It reflects decades of advocacy and scientific progress. The next step is to ensure that implementation is inclusive, well-resourced, and sustainable.”
The resolution urges Member States to:
– Strengthen primary healthcare systems and workforce training.
– Expand access to affordable diagnostics and treatments.
– Integrate skin health into disability, rehabilitation, and mental health policies.
– Promote research, surveillance, and innovation, including digital tools and tele-dermatology.
It also calls on the international community, including NGOs, academic institutions, and the private sector, to collaborate in supporting implementation, reducing stigma, and advancing access to care.
Depends on Collaboration
The success of this resolution will depend on the collaboration of all stakeholders – governments, civil society, healthcare providers, researchers, and patient organizations – to ensure that the forthcoming Global Action Plan on skin diseases is inclusive, evidence-based, and responsive to the needs of those most affected.
“The resolution recognizes the intersection of skin health with mental health, stigma, and social well-being,” adds Dr. Claire Fuller, Chair of the International Foundation for Dermatology (IFD). “It’s a holistic approach that will benefit millions.”
“We were glad to have engaged with Member States throughout the process leading to this resolution,” says Katherine Urbáez, Founder and Executive Director of the Health Diplomacy Alliance. “We are committed to continuing our support for the development, consultation, and implementation of the Global Plan of Action on skin diseases, among all groups and collective efforts of leading organizations.”
A True Landmark
“We believe this resolution will constitute a true landmark for the global fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases,” says the Iñigo Lasa, CEO of Anesvad Foundation. “Many of them, like leprosy or lymphatic filariasis, cause very serious skin manifestations. A global mandate that focuses on skin diseases must help the world focus on the dimension of these diseases.”
“This resolution will serve as a powerful tool for us to communicate at all levels about skin NTDs, and more broadly about skin diseases—which have long been neglected,” adds Dr. Rie Yotsu, Chair of the Neglected Tropical Disease NGO Network Skin Cross-Cutting Group. “It reinforces our commitment to working together toward achieving skin health for all.”
