On May 20, 2025, GlobalSkin proudly co-hosted a high-level side event during the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) in Geneva, marking a key moment in the global advocacy efforts for the Skin Diseases Resolution. This in-person event brought together over 100 participants, including representatives from Ministries of Health of lead, co-sponsoring, and supporting countries, World Health Organization officials, GlobalSkin Members, civil society groups, and other key stakeholders. The gathering served as a final push to secure further Member State support ahead of the vote on the Resolution.
The side event featured speakers from GlobalSkin, International League of Dermatological Societies, Anesvad Foundation, Health Diplomacy Alliance, the World Health Organization and the Minister of Health from Cote d’Ivoire the lead Member State driving the resolution. They emphasized the need for early diagnosis, improved training for frontline health workers, and integration of skin disease care into Universal Health Coverage (UHC) systems. They highlighted the global burden and stigma associated with skin diseases and called for multi-sectoral collaboration, political will, and inclusion of patient voices to drive meaningful change.
In addition to the crucial discussions centered around the proposed WHA resolution on skin diseases, attendees also witnessed a powerful short video featuring the lived experiences of patients from around the world. This video, created with heartfelt contributions from GlobalSkin Members during the recent GlobalSkin Conference, conveyed the urgent need for global recognition and action on skin health.
The conversations at the gathering reflected a strong sense of optimism among stakeholders about the Resolution’s adoption. Emphasis was placed on the need to integrate skin disease care into UHC benefit packages to ensure early detection, effective treatment, and psychosocial support. Strengthening the capacity of primary-care providers to recognize and manage the ten most common skin diseases—responsible for nearly 80% of the global burden of skin diseases—was recognized as a critical step forward. Including patient perspectives in global conversations emerged as a priority, given their role in challenging stigma and driving political momentum. Public–private partnerships were identified as essential to mobilize resources and advance progress toward achieving skin health for all.
We are deeply grateful to Pierre N’Gou Dimba, Minister of Health of Côte d’Ivoire for attending and delivering thoughtful remarks, and to Dr. Socé Fall of the WHO for sharing his valuable insights. Their presence accentuated the importance of collaboration in advancing global skin health.
GlobalSkin also extends sincere thanks to its co-hosting partners—the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), International Foundation for Dermatology (IFD), Neglected Tropical Diseases NGO Network (NNN Skin Cross-Cutting Group), Anesvad Foundation, Wound and Woundcare Program (Geneva University Hospital), Health Diplomacy Alliance, and the World Skin Health Coalition. Their collective commitment and diverse perspectives played a vital role in the success of this side event and helped pave the way for the official adoption of the Skin Diseases Resolution at WHA78 on May 25—a historic milestone for people living with skin conditions/diseases.
The Resolution mandates the development of a Global Plan of Action that will focus on prevention, early detection, effective treatment, and long-term care, while promoting equitable access to affordable, high-quality services and integrating skin health into broader health systems.