Latest news with #78thWorldHealthAssembly
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
A turning point for skin health: what the WHA's landmark resolution on skin diseases means for the world
On May 24, 2025, something unprecedented happened: for the first time in history, the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) unanimously adopted a resolution titled 'Skin diseases as a global public health priority' . This long-overdue resolution marks a significant shift in how the world understands skin health, not only as a cosmetic issue, but as a core component of global public health, social equity, and human dignity. How this resolution came about The road to this resolution was paved through years of advocacy, cross-sector partnerships, and irrefutable data. Despite affecting an estimated 1.9 billion people worldwide, skin diseases have remained chronically underfunded and neglected, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This landmark resolution, jointly sponsored by Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Togo, and Micronesia, and others, supported by the International League of Dermatologic Societies (ILDS), the world's largest alliance of dermatology organizations marks a pivotal moment in recognising skin diseases as a global public health priority. It reflects a growing global recognition that skin health is central to the well-being and dignity of populations across every region. Voices from the global south The urgency of this resolution is especially pronounced in low-resource settings where dermatologic care is inaccessible and stigma remains high. Folakemi Cole-Adeife, consultant physician and dermatologist at LASUTH (Lagos State University Teaching Hospital), Nigeria, underscores the significance of this moment. 'This historic step will be positively pivotal for skin healthcare worldwide,' she says. 'Skin diseases, though often overlooked, carry immense morbidity, stigma, and socioeconomic burden, particularly in LMICs (low and middle income countries).' Drawing from her public health experience, Dr. Cole-Adeife emphasises, 'This resolution opens the door for greater attention to skin health in national health agendas, better funding for dermatologic services, capacity-building for healthcare workers, and integration of skin health into primary care. It is a call to action for governments, global health partners, and all of us in the skin health space to treat skin not as superficial, but as fundamental to well-being.' She adds that the ripple effect of this resolution must extend globally. 'It compels us to ask why so many common skin conditions still go untreated, why dermatology training remains limited in frontline health systems, and why stigma persists, particularly for diseases visible on darker skin tones. In countries such as India and Africa, where the burden of pigmentary disorders, fungal infections, and neglected skin diseases is immense, this resolution is an opportunity to push for better access, culturally competent care, and research that reflects diverse skin types. It's time we reframed skin health as a public health issue, one that is both urgent and universal.' The regional reality: South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East The significance of this resolution is being deeply felt across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa - regions represented by Rashmi Sarkar, Regional Director of the ILDS. She is one of the leading voices in pigmentary disorders and global dermatology policy. She explains that historically, healthcare funding has traditionally prioritised chronic diseases of internal organs, often overlooking skin health, despite its significant physical, psychological, and economic impact. 'Skin diseases are deeply tied to a person's self-esteem and financial opportunities,' Dr. Sarkar notes. 'Stigma around visible conditions including vitiligo, psoriasis, or chronic infections leads to exclusion not just from medical care, but from employment and society itself.' She sees the resolution as a pivotal tool to correct these disparities. 'We're calling on all stakeholders such as governments, NGOs, medical institutions, and patient support groups to come together. We need funding for research, national registries to map disease burden, and the integration of skin health into primary care teaching and services.' What are the pressing challenges? In the regions Dr. Sarkar represents, chronic inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis coexist with neglected skin diseases such as leprosy and scabies - many of which are still misunderstood and stigmatised. 'This resolution creates an opportunity to fund medicines, include dermatologic care under insurance, and build public health programmes that recognise skin as central to quality of life,' she says. She also stresses the importance of ongoing advocacy. 'In India and other LMICs, we must publicise this resolution, observe disease-specific awareness days, and engage Ministries of health, NGOs, and local networks. That's how we build momentum.' What might change? This resolution unlocks a range of potential shifts in health policy and funding. It paves the way for the integration of skin disease care into primary health systems, more inclusive research funding particularly for conditions affecting skin of colour and neglected tropical diseases, and improved access to dermatologic medications, including coverage under public insurance schemes. It also supports the development of national registries to track the burden of skin diseases and prioritises capacity-building among frontline healthcare providers. Crucially, it fosters efforts to reduce stigma and expand patient support systems. As Dr. Sarkar emphasises, 'It could transform dermatologic training and infrastructure in under-resourced settings, while also dismantling the shame that so often accompanies visible skin conditions.' For India, the WHO resolution arrives at a crucial time. With one of the highest dermatologic disease burdens globally from chronic inflammatory conditions to fungal infections and pigmentary disorders, India stands to benefit immensely from global recognition and domestic reform. This is a chance to integrate skin care into public health infrastructure, strengthen research on skin of colour, expand dermatology training at the primary care level, and advocate for insurance inclusion for conditions that affect not just skin but lives. As Dr. Sarkar puts it, 'This is our moment to reshape how skin diseases are understood, prioritised, and treated.' A milestone, not a finish line This resolution is not the final word, it is the beginning of a long-overdue conversation. It validates the lived reality of billions, and provides a framework for governments, clinicians, and communities to take action. Because skin health is not superficial. It is visible, vulnerable, and vital. And finally, it is being seen. (Dr. Monisha Madhumita is a consultant dermatologist at Saveetha Medical College, Chennai.
Eyewitness News
10-06-2025
- Health
- Eyewitness News
Motsoaledi: Agreement serves as a monumental step to countering future pandemics
JOHANNESBURG - Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi said the pandemic agreement serves as a monumental step towards countering any future pandemics in the world. The minister was speaking during his address at the fourth G20 Health Working Group meeting in Johannesburg. The week-long discussions are aimed at strengthening global preparedness for future pandemics and strategies to ensure vaccine equity. Just in May, the 78th World Health Assembly adopted the second international health treaty, formally known as the Pandemic Agreement. Commenting on the move, Motsoaledi said the pandemic agreement serves as a legally binding instrument for preventing future pandemics and improving response mechanisms. He added that the historic agreement is built on several key pillars, one being that all countries have affordable access to pandemic-related health products. "The Pandemic Agreement was adopted with the overwhelming support of 124 member states, a clear global consensus on the need for a new path forward. The resolution adopted by the 78th world health assembly is of paramount importance as it represents the formal, political culmination of the entire INB process.' The minister also mentioned that the agreement signifies a collective commitment from member states.
Calgary Herald
09-06-2025
- Health
- Calgary Herald
Opinion: What does it mean to be Albertan in Canada? Lessons from refugee resettlement
In uncertain times, it's easy to become consumed by anxiety, anger and division. But these moments are precisely when we must reflect on our core values and ask: What does it mean to be Albertan or Canadian? For us, as physicians at the Calgary Refugee Health Clinic, the answers lie not in the loudest voices but in our patients' quiet resilience. Since 2011, our clinic has cared for over 15,000 refugees. Their stories and Alberta's welcome reveal the best of who we are. Article content Article content Calgary serves as Canada's western hub for refugee resettlement thanks to effective settlement and clinical programs developed over decades of inter-jurisdictional collaboration. Since the 2021 Afghan Resettlement Initiative, thousands of Afghan and other displaced families have arrived. Working with settlement agencies like CCIS, we often received only 24 to 48 hours' notice. We would meet at the airport with urgent medical care, warmth, and services. This reflects a rare but effective partnership between federally funded settlement agencies and provincially funded health services. Article content Article content This partnership isn't just functional, it's exemplary. Alberta leads Canada in refugee resettlement. And no municipality in Canada – among the 55 we examined – resettles more refugees per capita than Brook, a prairie town an hour from Medicine Hat. Article content Article content When we share these stories in academic and international circles through our work with the World Health Organization and UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), we're often met with disbelief. Canada's 'most conservative province' is also its most welcoming? We've just returned from Geneva, co-organizing a high-level side event for the WHO's 78th World Health Assembly. From this global perspective, we've learned what sounds like a most un-Canadian boast: Canada is exceptionally good at refugee resettlement and multicultural integration. Few Canadians know we are the only nation awarded the UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, for our response to the 1970s and 80s Indochinese refugee crisis, when Canada invented the Private Refugee Sponsorship Program, now emulated worldwide. Canada has since pioneered multiple resettlement programs, including Ugandan Ismailis, Central and South Americans, South Sudanese, Kosovars, Syrians, Afghans and Ukrainians.
Nikkei Asia
01-06-2025
- Health
- Nikkei Asia
$500m pledge makes China top WHO donor after US withdrawal
China has pledged $500 million over five years to the World Health Organization, stepping in as the largest state donor after the United States' withdrawal from the United Nations health agency. Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong made the commitment during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva. The pledge comes as the WHO grapples with its deepest financial crisis in decades, caused by President Donald Trump's decision in January to withdraw from the agency and stop funding. The U.S., previously the largest contributor, left a $600 million shortfall in the organization's 2025 budget.
Barnama
31-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
MOH Remains Steadfast To Realise 'Malaysia Bebas Rokok' By 2040
CYBERJAYA, May 31 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry (MOH) remains steadfast in its mission to realise a "Malaysia Bebas Rokok" by 2040, said Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said the vision is achievable through shared commitment and standing firm on policies rooted in public good. "As we look ahead, the MOH remains steadfast in its mission to realise 'Malaysia Bebas Rokok' by 2040. 15 years down the we able to do it? It's a bold mantra, a bold vision," he said in his officiating speech at the National Tobacco Control Conference 2025, here today. The event was held in conjunction with World No Tobacco Day with the theme, "Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing IndustryTactics on Smoking Products". Dzulkefly said today the people are not only confronting harmful products but confronting a billion-dollar industry that has rebranded addiction via sleek devices, sweet flavours, seductive marketing, aimed squarely at the promising youth. Highlighting Malaysia's international recognition, Dzulkefly said the World Health Organisation (WHO) officially adopted Malaysia's Lung Health Resolution during the 78th World Health Assembly recently. He said that was a historic move marking the first-ever global resolution that places lung health at the centre of the world's public health agenda. Dzulkefly stressed that while policy enforcement is key, it must be complemented with health promotion and community engagement. He said the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), in effect since Oct 1, 2024 restricts the marketing and sale of tobacco and vape products, especially to youth.
