For the first time in history, skin diseases have been officially recognised as a global public health priority. At the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, countries adopted a resolution that could shift the lives of more than two billion people living with skin conditions, one of the most common, yet often overlooked, health challenges worldwide.

This decision addresses the stigma, delayed diagnosis, limited access to care, and the mental health impacts that many patients face every day. With a call for a Global Action Plan, the resolution encourages governments, health systems, and patient organisations to work together toward equitable, person-centred care for all.

To understand what this means in practice and what comes next, Healthy.mt spoke with Jennifer Austin, CEO of the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organisations (GlobalSkin). 

Why is this resolution such a big deal for people living with skin diseases (can you share some statistics)?

The resolution “Skin diseases as a global public health priority” is a historic milestone because it marks the first time that the World Health Assembly has adopted a resolution recognising the significant burden of skin diseases. It sends a powerful message: that skin diseases matter and must be supported in global public health systems.

Skin diseases affect an estimated two billion people globally—that’s nearly one in four people.

They are among the top 10 causes of disability worldwide. Skin diseases and wounds affect individuals of all ages and are one of the most common reasons people seek medical help. Yet despite their prevalence, they’ve often been overlooked in health policies and underfunded in research and care delivery.

This resolution changes that. It brings long-overdue attention to the chronic, life-altering, and sometimes life-threatening nature of skin diseases. It creates the opportunity to elevate standards of care, reduce stigma, and empower patient communities who have for too long been invisible in global health conversations.

How do you think this changes the global conversation about skin diseases?

This resolution is transformative. Until now, skin diseases have been largely left out of global health dialogue. They’ve been misperceived as cosmetic or non-urgent, despite being a leading cause of disability and suffering.

This resolution reframes skin diseases as serious conditions with broad health, social, and economic consequences. It compels WHO Member States to acknowledge that skin diseases are more than skin deep—they affect mental health, access to education and employment, family life and overall well-being.

It also brings skin diseases into alignment with other noncommunicable diseases and neglected tropical diseases in global policy. Most importantly, it emphasises a person-centred, human rights-based approach, urging countries to integrate skin health into universal health coverage and primary care systems.

Why do you think patients often get left out of these global health conversations, and how can we change that?

Patients are often sidelined due to the persistent minimisation of lived experience, lack of substantial avenues for their voices to be heard, and the perception that scientific or clinical expertise alone should guide decision-making. That’s a mistake.

At GlobalSkin, we strongly believe that skin patients are disease experience experts in their own right. When they are meaningfully involved in shaping health policy and systems, outcomes are more effective, inclusive, and sustainable.

This WHA resolution is a great example of progress. The skin patient voice was heard during advocacy efforts to Ministers of Health, through the work of GlobalSkin and our 300+ Skin Patient Organisation Members and during side-events during the World Health Assembly held prior to the resolution’s adoption.

Moving forward, in the implementation of the resolution, it will be key to have the patient perspective heard, empowering skin patient organisations with resources to advocate to their national governments, and ensuring their participation is not symbolic, but integral to decision-making. In fact, the resolution urges member states to “support as appropriate the formation and sustainability of skin disease patient support organisations and enhance their active engagement in policy and programme implementation”.

Now that the resolution is passed, what happens next? How can this lead to real, practical changes in people’s lives?

The adoption of the resolution is a critical first step, but implementation is where real change happens.

Countries can then incorporate skin health into universal health coverage, strengthen capacity within health systems to diagnose and treat skin diseases, invest in research and data collection and develop and scale up national strategies for skin health.

The resolution calls on the WHO to develop a Global Action Plan, which will be a framework guiding Member States. 

These actions, if taken, can reduce wait times, improve access to diagnosis and treatments, expand the dermatology workforce, and reduce stigma through public awareness.

For people living with skin diseases, this means fewer barriers to care, earlier diagnosis, more affordable treatments, and better support for their mental health and quality of life. And from a policy perspective, it means skin diseases are no longer at the margins of healthcare discussions—they’re a recognised priority.

Are there countries or organisations already stepping up with action?

Yes—and it’s encouraging to see.  Countries that co-sponsored the resolution, like Côte d’Ivoire, together with Nigeria, Togo, Micronesia, China, Egypt and Colombia, are showing widespread political leadership and commitment. 

We’re also seeing momentum from patient organisations, professional societies and other global stakeholders, who now have a solid platform to support countries in improving skin health.

At GlobalSkin, we are mobilising our network of skin patient organisations in over 70 countries to advocate locally, push for national implementation plans, and monitor progress. The global commitment is clear—and now it’s about turning that into meaningful action.

What are some common misunderstandings about skin diseases you still see today?

There are several persistent misconceptions. One is that skin diseases are simply cosmetic or minor, and that they’re not “real” health issues. This minimisation is deeply harmful and inaccurate. Many skin conditions are chronic, painful, disfiguring and disabling, and they affect people’s confidence, identity, and daily functioning. 

Another common myth is that skin diseases are always contagious or a result of poor hygiene. This false belief often leads to social stigma, isolation and discrimination. Public education is crucial to changing these misperceptions. That’s why awareness campaigns—led by patients and supported by public health authorities—are so important in breaking through to understanding and compassion.

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.

How does living with a visible skin condition affect mental health?

The impact of living with a visible skin condition can be profound, as those affected are often subjected to staring, bullying, avoidance, exclusion, or even outright discrimination. These experiences take a heavy toll on mental health, leading to high rates of depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, and suicidal ideation.

Many patients feel ashamed of their appearance or are afraid to seek help because of the judgment they face.

This resolution acknowledges those realities and calls for person-centred care that addresses not just the physical, but also the emotional and psychological dimensions of skin diseases. We hope to see increased investment in mental health support integrated into dermatological care, because you cannot separate the skin from the person.

Why is access to dermatology care still such a struggle in many parts of the world?

In many places in the world—especially low- and middle-income countries—systematic barriers include severe shortages of trained dermatologists, limited access to medications, and very little public funding allocated to skin health.

Even in higher-income countries, people often face long wait times for specialist care, high out-of-pocket costs and unaffordable medicines.

This resolution is a call to action. It urges countries to expand expertise, particularly among primary health care workers, enabling timely diagnosis and effective support for those living with skin diseases.

An integrated strategy will improve health outcomes, access to care and treatment, particularly for vulnerable populations. These changes can make care more equitable and accessible, regardless of where a person lives.

What would you like to say to patients who feel unseen or unheard?

People living with skin conditions matter.

Your voice, your story, and your lived experiences are central to shaping better care and policies.

This resolution is a direct result of years of tireless advocacy by patient leaders around the world. It is proof that change is possible—and that patients can drive it. If you feel unseen, know that you are part of a global community that is advocating for you. And at GlobalSkin, we will continue to ensure your voice is heard at every level—from the clinic to the World Health Organisation. And we can all play a role in helping to shape the Global Action Plan in the times to come.

For young people living with skin conditions, what message would you share with them today?

You are not alone. As the parent of someone born with a highly visible skin condition, I know it can be incredibly hard to grow up feeling different because of your skin. But change is happening in real time, and this resolution will help us to continue gaining momentum.  You are part of this movement. So speak up when you’re ready, connect with others who understand, and remember—you have a voice, and you are powerful. There’s a global network of patient advocates, organisations, and allies standing with you.

07.07.2025.