Big News for Our Community: WHO Takes Landmark Step Towards Recognizing All Skin Diseases!

We at Nevus Outreach are celebrating a monumental step forward for the global recognition of all skin diseases!

The 156th World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board has recommended the WHA Skin Diseases Resolution for adoption at the 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025.

This landmark decision, applauded by GlobalSkin and countless patient advocacy groups worldwide, signifies a crucial shift in acknowledging the profound global health impact of skin conditions. Affecting an estimated 4.69 million people annually, skin diseases are a leading cause for seeking medical attention. Yet, they have remained disproportionately neglected in global and national health agendas – until now.

This pivotal progress is a testament to the dedication and collaborative spirit of numerous organizations. The journey to this point has been marked by the tireless efforts of GlobalSkin, working in close partnership with the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), the International Foundation for Dermatology (IFD), the Network for Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases Network (NNN), Fundacion Anesvad, the Wound and Woundcare Program (Geneva University Hospital), and the Health Diplomacy Alliance. We are deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment and collaboration.

The Road Ahead: Our Collective Voice Matters More Than Ever

While the Executive Board's recommendation is a significant victory, the final adoption at the World Health Assembly in May requires our continued and amplified efforts. The coming months are critical to ensuring this Resolution becomes a reality.

This is a powerful call to action for our entire Nevus Outreach community, our allies, and anyone touched by skin disease. 

GlobalSkin urgently calls upon members, patient communities, researchers, dermatologists, industry partners, and civil society organizations to actively contribute their voices to this crucial endeavor.

The key to success lies in garnering widespread support from WHO Member States. We need more countries to officially co-sponsor the Skin Diseases Resolution before the World Health Assembly in May.

Here’s how YOU can play a vital role in making history:

• Contact Your Minister of Health: Directly engage with your country's Minister of Health through letters, social media campaigns, traditional media outreach, or any personal connections you may have. Emphasize the importance of supporting and co-sponsoring the Skin Diseases Resolution.

  
  

• Leverage GlobalSkin's Resources: GlobalSkin has developed a comprehensive online resource hub to equip you with the necessary tools for effective advocacy. This includes template letters, key messages, impactful social media visuals, and clear calls to action.

  
  

• Download and Utilize the Letter of Support: Join the growing chorus of voices urging action by downloading and sending the letter of support provided.

Get involved and download the letter of support here

Access Global Skin's Resource Hub

The Transformative Potential of a WHA Resolution on Skin Diseases

This Resolution is not limited to a single condition; it encompasses the entire spectrum of skin diseases, including allergies, inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, genetic conditions, vascular anomalies, cancers, infections (viral, bacterial, and fungal), and rare autoinflammatory conditions. At its core, it champions the central role of patients and their caregivers in all aspects of healthcare planning and implementation.

The Resolution outlines several key objectives aimed at creating a more equitable and effective global response to skin diseases:

• Establishing a Comprehensive Global Action Plan: This framework will guide international efforts to prevent skin diseases, promote early detection, ensure access to effective treatments, and provide essential long-term care, all with clearly defined targets.

  
  

• Prioritizing Dedicated Healthcare Investment: Recognizing the critical need for skilled professionals, the Resolution calls for increased investment in training healthcare workers at all levels, particularly within primary care, to facilitate timely diagnosis and appropriate support for individuals with skin conditions.

  
  

• Advancing Research, Surveillance, and Data Collection: The Resolution aims to foster the development of innovative diagnostic tools and novel therapeutic interventions by supporting robust research initiatives and improved data collection methods.

  
  

• Ensuring Equitable Access to Quality Treatment: The Resolution's core principle is to promote universal access to cost-effective, affordable, and high-quality treatments for all individuals affected by skin diseases.

  
  

• Integrating Skin Health into Broader Health Policies: The Resolution advocates for the seamless integration of skin disease considerations within existing disability, rehabilitation, and mental health policies, recognizing the interconnectedness of overall well-being.

Read the draft resolution here

This is a pivotal moment for the global skin health community. The WHO Executive Board's recommendation offers a tangible pathway towards greater recognition, increased research funding, improved access to care, and ultimately, a better quality of life for millions affected by skin diseases worldwide, including those within our Nevus Outreach family.

Let us seize this opportunity with collective action and ensure that the voices of our community are heard loud and clear. By engaging with our governments and utilizing the resources provided by GlobalSkin, we can help turn this landmark recommendation into a life-changing reality for countless individuals around the globe.

The time to act is now – let's make history together!

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