Aussie Journal - Global Patient Organizations Applaud Historic Passage of a Resolution at WHA 78: "Skin diseases as a global public health priority"

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GENEVA - AussieJournal -- Global skin health and patient advocacy organizations are celebrating a new landmark achievement today as Member States at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) adopted a long-anticipated resolution on improving skin health. The resolution, endorsed by countries from all regions, marks the first comprehensive commitment by the World Health Organization (WHO) to address skin diseases globally, focusing on prevention, early detection, effective treatment, and long-term care, with specific targets.

Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform, representing millions of patients, caregivers, and civil society leaders worldwide, hails the resolution as a critical step forward in the fight to reduce the global burden of skin diseases, compounded by the growing impact of climate change, which places them among the top 10 causes of disability globally.

"This is a vital recognition that shows that the voices of patients and caregivers are crucial and need to be central in shaping global skin health strategies," said Vildana Mujkic, President of the AAA Association in Bosnia Herzegovina.

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"This resolution gives hope for millions of people living with a chronic skin condition, who felt unseen and absent from the global health debates for so long". "Access to treatments for all, Integrated approach including mental health and education are key, now these strategic recommendations have to turn into concrete actions". said Fanny Sentenac, a patient advocate who just co-founded the collectif Eczéma France.

The resolution commits countries to develop national skin health strategies, to expand expertise through training, particularly among primary health care workers, enabling timely diagnosis but alsosupport integrated services for skin diseases into current disability, rehabilitation and mental health policies. The consequences of skin diseases extend beyond physical suffering, with social stigma, mental health impacts, and lost productivity exacerbating inequalities, particularly in low and middle-income countries.

Patient advocates from around the world played a pivotal role in shaping and supporting the resolution. Their stories, lived experiences, and persistence helped bring skin health to the forefront of the global health agenda.

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"I feel an overwhelming sense of relief and hope withe the passing of this resolution. For too long, skin conditions like eczema have been overlooked. This global recognition marks a turning point towards a future where people impacted by skin diseases are no longer dismissed but supported with understanding, treatment and care that addresses the whole person." Said Melanie Funk, managing director of Eczema Support Australia.

We call on all Member States to urgently translate the resolution into concrete policies and funding commitments, and urges the WHO to provide technical support and accountability mechanisms to track progress Member states can count on the continuing role of patient advocacy and civic organizations to contribute to transform the narrative for skin health for global citizens and vulnerable communities.

About Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform
A network of over 175 patient organizations, public health NGOs, clinicians, and researchers united to advance policies that prioritize lung and skin health worldwide. We work to ensure that every person — regardless of where they live — can live a healthy and better life.WWW.GAAPP.ORG