In a historic move, the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) has for the first time ever adopted a resolution recognizing skin diseases as a global public health priority. This unprecedented decision signifies a major shift in how the world views skin health, acknowledging it not just as a cosmetic concern but as an essential aspect of global public health, social equity, and human dignity.
The resolution, which comes after years of advocacy and data-driven efforts, highlights the widespread impact of skin diseases, which affect an estimated 1.9 billion people worldwide. Despite this, skin diseases have long been underfunded and overlooked, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
The resolution was jointly sponsored by several countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Togo, and Micronesia, and supported by the International League of Dermatologic Societies (ILDS), the largest global network of dermatology organizations. This momentous decision marks a turning point in recognizing skin diseases as a crucial element of global health and well-being, stressing their importance to the dignity of populations worldwide.
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