Member States Adopt Landmark Resolution on Skin Diseases at 78th World Health Assembly
We are thrilled to share the following press release from our collaborative partner, GlobalSkin:
Geneva, May 24, 2025 — In a historic move to elevate skin health on the global public health agenda, Member States at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) adopted the resolution titled “Skin Diseases as a Global Public Health Priority.” Led by Côte d’Ivoire and co-sponsored by Colombia, China, Egypt, Micronesia, Nigeria, and Togo, the resolution marks a transformative step toward addressing the needs of over 2 billion people affected by skin conditions worldwide.
Skin diseases and wounds are among the most common health conditions globally, yet they remain disproportionately neglected in national and international health strategies. The resolution acknowledges the wide-ranging impact of skin conditions including infectious, autoimmune, genetic, and climate-sensitive diseases and calls for a comprehensive, integrated response.
The resolution mandates the development of a Global Action Plan that will focus on prevention, early detection, effective treatment, and long-term care, while promoting equitable access to affordable, high-quality services and integrating skin health into broader health systems.
We hope that the passing of this resolution will have a positive impact on all those affected by skin diseases worldwide, especially those living with cutaneous lymphoma.
Read the full draft decision as proposed by Cote d’Ivoire, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nigeria and Togo to the World Health
Skin diseases affect over 4.69 billion people globally, making them one of the top 10 causes of disability. From eczema and psoriasis to rare genetic conditions, skin diseases have devastating impacts on individuals’ health, mental well-being, and livelihoods.
The World Health Assembly (WHA), the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), will meet in May 2025 to adopt a groundbreaking resolution to prioritize skin health as a global health issue.
This resolution proposes to:
- Establish a WHO Global Action Plan for Skin Diseases.
- Invest in training healthcare providers to diagnose and manage skin diseases effectively.
- Strengthen diagnostic capacity and surveillance for skin diseases.
- Promote multidisciplinary skin diseases research on new diagnostics and affordable treatments and ensure their equitable access.
- Advance research into social and economic impacts of skin diseases.
- Support integrated and holistic action on skin diseases to support patients’ needs including their mental well-being.
- Strengthen healthcare systems and improve health equity.
Join us in advocating for this crucial resolution.
- Share your support on social media using #SkinDiseasesResolution.
- Write to your country’s Minister of Health and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, urging them to co-sponsor and support the Resolution. Access the WHO Directory here to find your UN representative.
- Learn more about the WHA Resolution for Skin Diseases by visiting https://globalskin.org/WHAResolution