26.05.2025.
In a landmark decision that puts skin health firmly on the global health agenda, Member States at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) have adopted a historic resolution titled “Skin Diseases as a Global Public Health Priority” in Geneva.
Spearheaded by Côte d’Ivoire and co-sponsored by Colombia, China, Egypt, Micronesia, Nigeria, and Togo, the resolution represents a crucial step toward addressing the needs of more than 2 billion people worldwide who suffer from skin diseases and wounds — one of the most common yet most overlooked areas in global healthcare.
Despite their prevalence, skin conditions have long been neglected in both national and international health strategies.
These include infectious, autoimmune, genetic, and climate-sensitive diseases, which have wide-ranging impacts on physical, social, and mental well-being. The new resolution changes that by acknowledging the seriousness of these conditions and calling for a more integrated, equitable, and effective global response.
The resolution lays out a clear mandate: the development of a Global Action Plan aimed at prevention, early detection, effective treatment, and long-term care. This plan will emphasize equitable access to affordable, high-quality services and ensure that skin health becomes a core component of broader health systems.
“This resolution marks a turning point,” said Jennifer Austin, CEO of the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (GlobalSkin).
“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,” said 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 calls on Member States to:
- Strengthen primary healthcare systems and invest in workforce training
- Expand access to affordable diagnostics and treatments
- Integrate skin health into disability, rehabilitation, and mental health strategies
- Promote research, surveillance, and innovation — including digital tools and tele-dermatology
Additionally, it encourages collaboration among governments, NGOs, academic institutions, private sector actors, and patient organizations to reduce stigma, support implementation, and improve access to care.
“As a hospital system, we see firsthand the burden of untreated skin diseases and wounds,”
said a representative from Geneva University Hospitals. “This resolution will help bring care to those who need it most.”
The success of this resolution will depend on the strength of partnerships across sectors. As the international community moves forward, there is a shared responsibility to ensure that the Global Action Plan is inclusive, evidence-based, and meets the needs of those most affected.
This is more than just a policy achievement — it is a global commitment to improving the lives of people living with skin conditions. In the pursuit of universal health coverage, this resolution reinforces the principle that no one should be left behind.
