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Skin Diseases as a Global Public Health Priority
A turning point for skin health: what the WHA’s landmark resolution on skin diseases means for the world
Context: For the first time in history, the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) has adopted a landmark resolution titled “Skin diseases as a global public health priority”, marking a significant shift in global health policy.
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- The resolution is led by Côte d’Ivoire, with co-sponsorship from Nigeria, Togo, Micronesia, China, Egypt, and Colombia—countries that have recognised the urgent need to elevate skin health on the global agenda.
- This resolution is the result of years of persistent advocacy, backed by irrefutable evidence and collaborative efforts between governments, non-profits, healthcare professionals, and patient groups.
Global Burden of Skin Diseases
- Skin diseases are the third most prevalent cause of illness globally, with nearly 5 billion incident cases of skin and subcutaneous diseases recorded annually.
- They are among the top 10 causes of disability and also rank in the top 10 most common reasons for outpatient visits worldwide.
- Despite their prevalence, skin conditions remain chronically underfunded and neglected in most national and global health policies.
- In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), access to dermatologic care is often limited or non-existent, leading to prolonged suffering, stigma, mental health impacts, and significant socioeconomic burden.
Skin NTDs: A Missed Opportunity for Integration
- Of the 21 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) officially recognised by the WHO, about half present with skin manifestations, known as skin NTDs. These include: Leprosy (Hansen disease), Cutaneous leishmaniasis / Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis, Lymphatic filariasis, Onchocerciasis, Buruli ulcer, Yaws.
- These diseases are often associated with: Long-term disability, Visible disfigurement and stigma (especially on darker skin tones), and Mental health disorders.
- Importantly, all skin NTDs require visual examination of the skin for diagnosis and clinical management, offering a significant opportunity for integrated care models that are both cost-effective and coverage-extending.
- In recent efforts to address these, the WHO has published updated guidelines and technical notes on: Cutaneous leishmaniasis, Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis, Leprosy, Lymphatic filariasis, Onchocerciasis.
What the WHA Resolution Will Achieve?
- The resolution takes a comprehensive, patient-centered approach, addressing all major categories of skin diseases:
- Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases
- Allergies and genetic conditions
- Skin cancers and vascular diseases
- Infectious diseases (viral, bacterial, and fungal)
- Rare autoinflammatory and neglected tropical skin diseases
Key Objectives of the Resolution Include:
- Global Action Plan: Framework for prevention, early detection, effective treatment, and long-term care. Focus on equity, stigma reduction, and access to care.
- Primary Healthcare Integration: Dedicated investment in training of primary health care workers for timely diagnosis and treatment. Promotes community-level care and task-sharing models.
- Research, Surveillance, and Innovation: Encourages national registries, enhanced data collection, and epidemiologic tracking. Supports research funding for skin of colour, neglected conditions, and diagnostic advancements.
- Health System Strengthening and Policy Inclusion: Pushes for integration of dermatologic care into insurance coverage, rehabilitation, and mental health frameworks. Advocates for the inclusion of skin conditions in universal health coverage and essential medicine lists.
