WHO puts skin diseases on the global health agenda!

WHO puts skin diseases on the global health agenda!

At the 78th World Health Assembly, World Health Organization (WHO) member states emphasized that skin diseases are a global health priority. This resolution, adopted at the end of May 2025, calls for a comprehensive national prioritization of skin diseases, covering a wide range of conditions such as infectious, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, but also chronic and rare diseases, malignant skin tumors and environmental diseases. Loud University of Osnabrück Awareness of these diseases is low in many countries, both among the public and among professionals.

Dermatologist Prof. John from the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) called for urgent changes in this context. His demands include not only the provision of sufficient resources, but also the strengthening of research and improving the training of health workers. A particularly important aspect is the use of telemedicine and digital dermatology to facilitate access to treatments.

Diverse challenges and solutions

According to the German Dermatological Society (DDG), the resolution has the potential to change health policy agendas both internationally and at the national level. Comprehensive strategies are required to implement these measures. The resolution aims to promote equal access to cost-effective, affordable and high-quality treatment.

According to a 2021 study, the Global Burden of Disease Study identified 4.69 billion cases of skin and subcutaneous diseases. These diseases caused a total of 41.9 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), which quantify the burden of disease and take into account both premature death and years of disability or illness. It is clear that skin diseases are not only a personal tragedy, but also cause significant economic costs.

The resolution includes specific measures. This includes strengthening research on the epidemiology of skin diseases and increasing laboratory capacity. There are also calls for the costs of services in the area of ​​skin diseases to be reduced. Training programs for health personnel should be integrated during medical training.

Collaboration with patient organizations

Another key to improving healthcare is supporting patient organizations and their concerns. They should be actively involved in the development of programs for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases. Access to quality treatments and reducing social stigma around skin diseases are also a focus of the resolution.

The DDG plans to work intensively with political actors, ministries and professional associations on implementing the WHO guidelines. The ongoing challenge remains to create greater awareness of the impact of skin diseases and to address the needs of affected patients. Loud derma.de This was not only a significant step, but also a necessary milestone to improve healthcare on a global scale and provide those affected with the support they need.