GlobalSkin will attend the Second WHO Global Meeting on Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases in Geneva from March 24-26, 2025. 

We also will take the opportunity to network with delegates from around the world, raise awareness for the Skin Diseases Resolution among key health policy representatives and educate about the importance of patient organizations in supporting patient care. We will reinforce these messages during two side events following the main plenary sessions at the conference.  

Furthermore, we have been invited once again to attend WHO departmental meetings with the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) on March 26 and 27. We will bring the patient perspective to discussions with key departments such as Non-Communicable Diseases, Essential Medicines, Aging and Health, Radiation and Health, Neglected Tropical Diseases, and others.  

GlobalSkin CEO Jennifer Austin recently attended the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Alliance Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, as part of preparations for the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs in September 2025. This event served as an opportunity to engage with key stakeholders, including the WHO NCD Department, NCD Alliance staff, and representatives from IFPA. GlobalSkin used this platform to raise awareness of skin conditions as non-communicable diseases and garner support for our resolution.  

While in Rwanda, GlobalSkin also connected with our Member organization, the Anti-Vitiligo Foundation. Additionally, Jennifer presented to medical students and residents at the Butaro District Teaching Hospital. She then visited the University of Global Health Equity and Butaro Hospital, where she toured the clinical simulation center, participated in a health outreach visit to meet a podoconiosis patient in a village, met with the student council, and observed the monthly dermatology clinic. 

These experiences provided crucial insights into the challenges faced by patients in low-income countries, particularly in rural areas. Strengthening our understanding of these issues helps GlobalSkin advocate more effectively for dermatology patients worldwide. 

Registered for the conference but haven’t booked your hotel yet? Secure your stay by March 20 using the link in your registration confirmation email. Only reservations made through that link will be covered by GlobalSkin. Need help or have changes? Contact conference@globalskin.org.

On March 11, we hosted a coffee chat for first-time attendees, where they received vital tips, had their questions answered, connected with fellow conference registrants, and explored the new Buddy System. View the recording in "Members-only" section of the GlobalSkin website.

We’re reviewing submissions for the Creative Expression category of the Patient Leader Awards. Once the top five entries are live, we’ll notify you—cast your vote! The winner will be announced at the Awards Dinner on April 26. Best of luck to all the participants!

A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in our RareDERM Community Survey! With 86 responses, your valuable insights will play a key role in shaping future initiatives, advocacy efforts, and support for our community. We look forward to sharing key findings at the RareDERM Forum in April and using them to drive meaningful change. If you completed the survey and are attending the RareDERM Forum, you’re in the draw to win one of our survey thank-you prizes—good luck! 

Plans are being finalized for the RareDERM Forum taking place April 24. The at-capacity event with over 95 Members attending will focus on topics such as mental health within the community and insights from industry partners. We will spend the rest of the day comparing survey results from our Community Members and brainstorming on collective priorities going forward. By the end of the day, the goal is to identify 1-3 actions to help improve health outcomes for the RareDERM community.

Join us for the RareDERM Coffee Chat on March 20 to start the conversation on how we can leverage the WHA Resolution to benefit the RareDERM Community. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek at what to expect at our upcoming RareDERM Forum at the GlobalSkin Conference in April. Don’t miss this chance to connect, share insights, and engage with peers. We look forward to having you join us for this interactive virtual session. To register for the coffee chat, please click here.

GlobalSkin invites Members in the Atopic Eczema Community to join us for a Coffee Chat on March 27, where attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow patient leaders. In this virtual session, we’ll discuss the upcoming Atopic Eczema Forum with GAAPP, potential themes for World Atopic Eczema Day, and Mental health & wellness initiatives in our community. Don’t miss this chance to exchange experiences, explore new ideas, and contribute to shaping impactful initiatives for those living with Atopic Eczema. Please click here to register for the coffee chat.

GlobalSkin in collaboration with GAAPP, has planned an excellent Atopic Eczema Forum, taking place in Prague prior to the GlobalSkin Conference. This event is focused on two topics: Advancing Skin Health Policy and Advocacy for Atopic Eczema. The evening before the forum, there will be an engaging roundtable discussion with our partners. During the forum, Community Members will strive to establish a five-year advocacy plan for themselves and the community. The forum is now at full capacity and we look forward to welcoming all attendees in Prague.

We are currently in planning stages for World Atopic Eczema Day 2025 with our partners, EFA. In the coming weeks we will be consulting with our communities about the theme for this year’s awareness campaign. The theme will be launched alongside the WAED grants in the second week of May, with the toolkit to shortly follow. We encourage patient organizations to share their input during the consultation process to help shape a campaign that truly reflects the community’s needs. Stay tuned for updates on how you can participate and amplify the message within your networks! 

GlobalSkin-Europe hosted its Coffee Chat on February 26, providing a platform for participants to engage in open discussions about various topics and upcoming initiatives within the European community. This gathering offered a valuable opportunity to exchange insights, raise concerns, and connect with peers in an informal environment. We look forward to keeping these conversations going to further strengthen collaboration among our European Members.

On February 4, GlobalSkin took part in the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) Patient Think-Tank Meeting. This platform fosters discussions on patient-centered healthcare policies, innovation, and treatment access. We are committed to staying actively involved in these discussions to ensure dermatology patients' voices continue to be heard and prioritized.

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