Who We Are
The creation of the Young Patient Leader (YPL) Council and Working Group is the result of over 16 months of sustained engagement with young dermatology patient leaders. From brainstorming sessions and community coffee chats to participation at our GlobalSkin Conference, dozens of young advocates helped create this initiative and inspire the vision behind it!
These efforts laid the groundwork for a Council that is:
- Youth led
- Globally representative
- Built on a foundation of collaboration
The journey ahead includes building a comprehensive work plan informed by young patient leader priorities and actioning the work plan to create impactful opportunities around mentorship and skill development like advocacy.
Regional Representation
YPL Members represent 23 countries from every WHO region, including:
- Africa: South Africa, Rwanda, Ghana, Malawi, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Eastern Mediterranean: Pakistan
- Southeast Asia: Nepal Indonesia
- Europe: Netherlands, United Kingdom, Serbia
- North America: Canada, United States
- Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, Chile
- Western Pacific: Philippines, Australia
What is the Young Patient Leader (YPL) Council?
A vibrant network of young advocates (aged 18–35) passionate about empowering emerging leaders in the dermatology patient community.
The Council aims to:
- Amplify the voices of young patient leaders within the GlobalSkin community.
- Promote cross-regional collaboration on youth-driven priorities.
- Foster inclusivity, innovation, and growth for the next generation of patient leaders.
What is the Young Patient Leader Working Group?
A group of 7 young patient advocates who guide and support the work of the Council.
The Working Group specifically:
- Conveys the Council’s perspectives and expert opinions to GlobalSkin
- Monitors the progress of the Council and its initiatives
- Looks for and creates opportunities for professional growth
Upcoming Activities
Recently formed, the YPL Council
and Working Group plan to:
- Host Coffee Chats
- Attend YPL Quarterly Meetings
- Create and attend skill-building and networking engagement opportunities as they arise.
Resource Hub
As the Young Patient Leader Working Group commences its' activities, the resource hub items will be available here. These materials will be designed to support your work, provide valuable insights, and enhance collaboration. Stay tuned for updates!
Get Involved
The Council is always open to new members!
If you are a young patient leader (18–35) working or volunteering with a GlobalSkin Member Organization, you are eligible to join.
To join and for questions, contact:
Nimra Lalani, Membership & Grants Coordinator
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Meet the Working Group
The Young Patient Leaders Working Group is comprised of of seven dedicated young advocates.
Co-Chairs
- Chiara Lionel – Psoriasis Indonesia (Indonesia)
- Abdul Mannan Mustafa – Helping Hands Foundation (Pakistan)
Working Group Members
- Olamide Adekanmi – Heroic Alopecian Foundation (HAF) (Nigeria)
- Alvina Belkas – Psoriasis Philippines (Philippines)
- Katie Allen – CMTC-OVM (Canada)
- Tim Laukens – Huid Nederland (Netherlands)
- Hilda Macheso – Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) (Malawi)
