For the first time in its history, the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) unanimously adopted a resolution titled ‘Skin diseases as a global public health priority’.

Reasons for the Adoption of the WHA Resolution on Skin Diseases as a Global Public Health Priority

• Massive Global Burden: Skin diseases affect an estimated 1.9 billion people globally, making them among the most common health conditions. 
• Neglect in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs): In LMICs, skin diseases are often underfunded, misdiagnosed, and under-prioritized, despite causing significant morbidity, stigma, and economic burden.

• Advocacy and Cross-Sector Partnerships: Years of sustained efforts by governments, dermatology organizations like the International League of Dermatologic Societies (ILDS).
• Visible Health Inequities: The lack of dermatologic training, infrastructure, and access to culturally competent care, especially for darker skin tones, has led to poor outcomes and persistent stigma. 
  • Experts emphasize the need to integrate skin health into primary care, enhance capacity-building among frontline workers.
• Regional Leadership: The resolution was sponsored by countries from the Global South—including Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Togo, and Micronesia—who experience the brunt of the neglect and championed skin health as a shared priority.

Challenges in Advancing Skin Health in South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East:

• Historical Neglect of Skin Health: In regions like South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, healthcare systems have traditionally prioritized internal chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory) over dermatologic conditions.
• Dual Burden of Diseases: These regions face a complex mix of chronic inflammatory skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis, atopic dermatitis) alongside neglected tropical skin diseases (e.g., leprosy, scabies), many of which are still misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and stigmatized.
• Limited Access to Treatment and Coverage: In many LMICs, essential dermatologic medicines are either unavailable or unaffordable, and skin conditions are often excluded from health insurance coverage.
• Lack of Public Health Integration: Skin diseases are rarely prioritized in national health policies or primary care frameworks, making early detection and routine management difficult, particularly in rural or underserved areas.
• Under-Recognition of Economic Impact: Skin diseases affect not just health, but self-esteem and financial opportunities, particularly in communities where visible skin disorders can limit access to jobs and education.

Possible Impacts of the WHO Skin Health Resolution

• Integration into Primary Healthcare: Skin disease care may be included in basic health services, improving early diagnosis and treatment.
• Boost in Research and Funding: More inclusive research, especially on skin of colour and neglected tropical skin diseases, will receive support.
• Better Access and Insurance Coverage: Essential dermatologic medicines could be covered under public insurance schemes, improving affordability.
• National Registries: Countries can develop databases to track disease burden and guide policy.
• Healthcare Workforce Training: Improved dermatology training for frontline health workers, especially in under-resourced areas.
• Stigma Reduction and Patient Support: Public awareness and patient support systems will help tackle stigma around visible skin conditions.
• Opportunity for India: India can integrate skin care into public health, expand research, train more providers, and push for insurance reforms—addressing one of the world’s highest skin disease burdens.

Conclusion

This resolution marks the beginning of a long-overdue focus on skin health.

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