The World Health Organization (WHO) held its first global meeting on skin-related neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs) from March 27 to 31, 2023, bringing together over 800 experts, stakeholders, and partners from around the world. The purpose of the meeting was to evaluate the progress and challenges in managing and controlling skin NTDs at the country level, in alignment with the NTD roadmap for 2021–2030 and the specific framework on skin NTDs.
Skin diseases are among the most common reasons for outpatient visits and can result in long-term disability, stigmatization, and mental health issues. Furthermore, half of the 20 recognized NTDs have skin-related symptoms.
The meeting focused on several key objectives, including sharing country-level experiences, showing research advancements, implementing the skin NTD framework, and fostering stronger networking among experts. Participants included specialists in skin NTDs, health ministry representatives, nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, and WHO officials.
One of the main messages highlighted during the meeting was the importance of the NTD roadmap. It emphasized three critical implementation pillars: accelerating programmatic action, intensifying cross-cutting approaches, and shifting operational models and culture to support country ownership of NTD programs.
Key actions identified at the meeting include increasing the advocacy and visibility of NTDs, ensuring their inclusion in key global policy documents, and incorporating them into global health frameworks. The global community was called upon to raise investments in NTDs to meet the roadmap targets for 2030, with a focus on digital technologies, improved diagnostics, and new treatment innovations.
The second global skin NTD meeting will take place from March 24 to 26, 2025, at WHO headquarters in Geneva. Moving forward, the global community is urged to strengthen collaborations and intensify efforts to meet the NTD roadmap targets by 2030.
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