The 156th WHO Executive Board has recommended the WHA Skin Diseases Resolution proceed for adoption at the 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025. 
GlobalSkin applauds this landmark decision by the WHO Executive Board as it demonstrates the crucial recognition for all skin diseases as a global health priority. Skin diseases affect individuals of all ages and are one of the most common reasons for seeking medical help. They impact an estimated 4.69 million people globally each year. Yet, skin conditions have been disproportionately neglected in national and global health policies, until now!
They would like to thank the leadership of Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Togo, and Micronesia for co-sponsoring the resolution to date, and are grateful to China, Ethiopia, Egypt and Colombia for heeding the call for co-sponsorship and joining the movement over the past week. Â
GlobalSkin has worked very closely over the last 18 months with the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), International Foundation for Dermatology (IFD), Network for Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases Network (NNN), Fundacion Anesvad, Wound and Woundcare Program (Geneva University Hospital) and the Health Diplomacy Alliance to pursue the resolution.  We are grateful for their partnership and collaboration. Â
Next steps
While proceedings during the Executive Board were an incredible turning point in achieving our goal of an all skin diseases resolution, the work is far from over. These next several months in the lead up to the World Health Assembly in May are critical to the success of the Resolution.
GlobalSkin call upon members and their patient communities, as well as friends and colleagues in academia, research institutions, dermatologists and their societies, industry and civil society to add their voices to the efforts.
For the Skin Diseases Resolution to be adopted at the WHA in May, they will need many more Member States to sign onto the resolution as co-sponsors.
How can you get involved?
Reach out to your Minister of Health with a letter, via social media, through traditional media, and/or through any contacts you may have in the Ministry to raise awareness and to secure support for the Skin Diseases Resolution.
GlobalSkin have a dedicated website page where you can find all the resources you will need to support these efforts, including template letter, key messages, social media cards, calls to action and more.
Join our efforts in raising awareness with member states about this important initiative that will improve the lives of patients around the world by elevating the health prioritization of skin diseases!
What will a WHA Resolution on Skin Diseases Achieve ?
The Skin Diseases Resolution is focused on all skin diseases including allergies, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, genetic diseases, vascular diseases, cancers, infections (viral, bacterial and fungal) and rare autoinflammatory diseases. It prioritizes the perspective of patients and their caregivers in all aspects of planning and implementation.
Key aspects of the Resolution:
Global Action Plan to establish a framework for addressing skin diseases globally, focusing on prevention, early detection, effective treatment, and long-term care, with specific targets.
Calls for dedicated health investment to expand expertise through training, particularly among primary health care workers, enabling timely diagnosis and effective support for those living with skin diseases.
Supports expansion of research, surveillance and data collection to provide innovative diagnostic tools and new treatments.
Promotes equitable access to cost effective, affordable and high-quality treatment
Supports integrated services for skin diseases into current disability, rehabilitation and mental health policies
