WHA’s landmark resolution on skin diseases

The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) unanimously adopted a resolution on May 24, 2025, recognizing ‘Skin diseases as a global public health priority’

• Shift in Perception: This marks a significant shift, reframing skin health from a cosmetic issue to a core component of global public health, social equity, and human dignity.
• Addressing Neglect: Acknowledges the chronic underfunding and neglect of skin diseases, despite affecting an estimated 1.9 billion people worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
• Key Sponsors & Supporters: Jointly sponsored by Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Togo, Micronesia, and others, with strong support from the International League of Dermatologic Societies (ILDS).
• Unlocks Policy Shifts: Paves the way for:
  • Integration of skin disease care into primary health systems.
  • More inclusive research funding, especially for conditions affecting skin of color and neglected tropical diseases.
  • Improved access to dermatologic medications, including public insurance coverage.
  • Development of national registries to track disease burden.
  • Prioritization of capacity-building among frontline healthcare providers.