The International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (also known as GlobalSkin), and the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) are delighted to announce the next stage in our collaboration and partnership through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which was officially signed by both organisations on 31 March 2021.
Together, the ILDS and GlobalSkin have been working towards shared goals since GlobalSkin’s founding in 2015 during the World Congress of Dermatology in Vancouver Canada. Since that time, the relationship has continued to grow, with significant strides made particularly in 2020 with the following achievements:
- The ILDS invited GlobalSkin to join the ILDS Patient Organisations Working Group
- GlobalSkin became a patient representative member of the ILDS World Congress of Dermatology’s Scientific Programme Committee
- The organisations co-organised webinars in 2020 and 2021 on COVID-19, atopic eczema and rare diseases
This Memorandum of Understanding is a key step in supporting the ILDS’ commitment to increase patient engagement in its activities to enhance the quality of care provided to dermatology patients worldwide. This also contributes in a meaningful way to GlobalSkin’s mission to lead a global movement for people living with dermatological conditions by uniting patient voices, empowering patient organisations, stimulating research, influencing decision makers, and collaborating with communities of interest like the ILDS and dermatology professionals. Together, both organisations will focus on achieving these shared goals.
“The ILDS is committed to the inclusion of the patient voice in our activities and collaborates with patients’ organisations across a range of areas. This MoU formalises our work with GlobalSkin and is a key part of our ‘Global Partnerships for Skin Health Strategy’. Now, more than ever, it is important to work collaboratively to achieve improvement in skin health around the world.” Lars French, ILDS Board President.
“Since its founding in 2015, GlobalSkin has recognized the value of collaboration with leaders in the dermatology community like the ILDS. The coronavirus pandemic has amplified the need for collective action in patient care and support; bringing patient leaders and dermatology professionals together enhances these efforts. This MoU will enhance our collective efforts – now and in the future – to improve the lives of dermatology patients through better access to care and treatment, and address stigmatisation, persecution, or economic disadvantages due to their conditions. Together, we are stronger.” Simmie Smith, GlobalSkin Board President.
By working together as partners through this MoU, both GlobalSkin and the ILDS acknowledge a common commitment to advance patient-centred healthcare worldwide to:
- develop a framework for meaningful and systematic engagement and collaboration between the ILDS and patient organisations
- support the involvement of patient organisations and patient leaders as equal partners in the development of skin health policies and services
- support and promote global exchange of good practice among stakeholders for patients’ benefit
- encourage and support the collaboration and development of patient-centred programmes and policies
- strengthen dialogue between patient organisations and patient leaders and the healthcare sector and its stakeholders
About ILDS:
Officially founded in 1935, the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) has been promoting skin health around the world for over 85 years. We provide leadership and support to foster initiatives, projects and policies with global impact for those affected by skin disease. We bring together 195 Members from more than 90 countries representing over 200,000 dermatology specialists.
Our Global Partnerships for Skin Health Strategy reflects our increasingly interconnected world where health issues cross borders and where we can only achieve our vision of ‘Skin Health for the World’ by working with others. Learn more about our work: www.ILDS.org
About GlobalSkin:
The International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations - also known as GlobalSkin - is a unique global alliance, committed to improving the lives of patients worldwide. Current membership includes 183 Patient Organizations, located in 61 countries, representing over 65 dermatological disease areas. We nurture relationships with Members, partners and all involved in healthcare - building dialogue with decision-makers around the globe to promote patient-centric healthcare. GlobalSkin's work is founded on three pillars: research, advocacy and support. For more information visit: https://globalskin.org
Visit the Globalskin & ILDS Collaborations page to learn more about our joint work together.