On 24 May 2025, the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) adopted a resolution which recognises “skin diseases as a global health priority” – a truly landmark decision.
This historic turning point will have a significant impact on elevating and prioritising skin health on the global health stage, fostering a coordinated approach to action and care for the billions of people affected worldwide.
Skin diseases have, for far too long, been disproportionally neglected, often overlooked and considered less critical than other health conditions. However, the stark reality is that skin diseases affect billions of people and their impact goes beyond the physical symptoms – prejudice, discrimination, emotional wellbeing and significant socioeconomic burdens inflict immense distress on the people and communities affected.
The WHA78 resolution provides a powerful framework for addressing historically overlooked skin-related Neglected Tropical Diseases such as leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, Buruli ulcer and scabies.
Speaking of the new resolution, Becks Hill (Director of Programmes and Advocacy, Lepra) said,
“It is incredibly encouraging that one of the outcomes of the World Health Assembly has shone a light on the importance of skin diseases and positioned them as a global health priority. We look forward to being part of the solution of the WHA78 resolution focussing on prevention, early detection and effective treatment in our work.”
We would like to congratulate and thank Côte d’Ivoire, Micronesia, Nigeria, Togo and all countries and partners who brought this resolution to fruition.
We look forward to the road ahead, working alongside partners and stakeholders as we collaborate together on a new era for skin health.
