8 July is
World Skin Health Day

A multi-partner skin health campaign delivered vital dermatology services to underserved and displaced communities across Kano. Fifteen dermatologists and 20 healthcare workers provided free consultations and treatment to 1,264 patients in three IDP camps, alongside skin disease education for more than 1,200 people. Supported by the Ministry of Health and extensive radio and TV coverage, the campaign raised public awareness, reduced stigma, and strengthened local commitment to skin health as a public priority.

Organised and led by Dr. Niraj Parajuli, the 2024 Central/West/South Asia WSHD events spanned every province of Nepal and involved more than 830 participants, including the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) Directors of the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division and the National Health Training Center, personnel from the WHO, RSDN, SODLEVON and the ILDS, as well as hundreds of dermatologists and healthcare workers to the benefit of many patients across the country. The program was covered in depth by national media, with a senior journalist from the Himalayan Times embedded within the team for the 8th July central activities. 

An innovative, culturally focused skin health programme brought together dermatologists and Afro-Colombian community leaders to celebrate identity while improving care. Ten dermatologists delivered 60 free hair and scalp consultations and workshops, reaching 80 Afro-Colombian women and training 50 dermatology residents in culturally sensitive practice. Led by local partners and amplified through social media, the programme strengthened knowledge, confidence, and access to dermatology within the Afro-Colombian community.

Organised and led by Dra. Isabel María del Pilar Casas, the 2024 Latin American WSHD events took place in San Martín de los Andes, Patagonia, serving a total of 254 patients with the help of 12 volunteer dermatologists from Argentina and Chile. A wide range of people were able to benefit from this event, from the successful consultation and treatment of indigenous Mapuche communities and the citizens of San Martín de los Andes to the effective collaborations amongst healthcare workers and volunteer dermatologists, including the Medical Director of Villarrica Hospital (Chile) and the President of the Argentine Society of Dermatology. 

A mobile dermatology programme reached climate-displaced communities in flood-prone Khulna, where poverty and environmental stress have driven high levels of untreated skin disease. Ten dermatologists and six healthcare workers provided free diagnosis and treatment to 1,083 patients, many with infectious, inflammatory, and occupational skin conditions. Delivered in partnership with the Bangladesh Academy of Dermatology and local health authorities, the campaign also raised national awareness of climate-related skin health and helped lay the groundwork for future teledermatology services.

Standing Voice organised  the 2024 African a 10 day campaign and throughout 12 different hospitals in the Mbeya region of southern Tanzania, with help from several Ministry of Health (MoH) and local government officials, leaders from ILDS and other societies, and many volunteer dermatologists and healthcare workers. The events and services reached more than 320 people with albinism and hundreds of community members.  

A community-wide skin health campaign delivered vital dermatology care to rural and underserved populations across the Gamo Zone. Four dermatologists and 10 healthcare workers provided screening and treatment for more than 500 patients, while 12 health workers received training to strengthen local services. Supported by universities, professional societies, and regional government, the programme reached over 25,000 people through outreach and media, raising awareness and embedding skin health as a visible public health priority.

A large public forum to commemorate World Skin Health Day was held, a collaboration between Dermatological Society of Singapore (DSS) and People’s Association (PA). The talk was very well attended with more than 200+ members of the public listening intently to a panel of Dermatologists who spoke on a wide range of topics ranging from atopic dermatitis to hair-related conditions.

Led by Dr. Valeska Padovese, the Migrant Health Working Group provided free consultations and treatment while also offering education on skin hygiene and common skin conditions at three migrant centers to over 60 displaced people.

In the US, CeraVe joined forces with their NGO partner, the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) and dermatologists to provide care to underserved patients at NAFC clinics around the nation. In addition, CeraVe held an all-day pop-up event at the Anne Kastor Brooklyn Free Clinic, an NAFC clinic, where they provided educational games, skincare products, patient materials for the 750 community members, a dermatological training session for 30 SUNY Downstate medical residents and clinic volunteers, and an open free clinic, where 27 patients received free skin-checks.