Activities

Throughout 2021, in partnership with the Albinos Foundation, the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists provided free skin checks and dermatological care for persons living with albinism (PWAs) in Anambra State, Nigeria.

In 2021, the Society of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists of Nepal raised awareness about dermatophytosis (Tinea) and common skin conditions and provided free dermatological care to 1,500 manual labourers in Sunsari District, Nepal.

Throughout January 2021, the Brazilian Society of Dermatology undertook a wide range of activities, including a multimedia campaign, skin consultations and workshops, to help raise awareness and treat Leprosy across Brazil, particularly amongst underserved communities.

20 February 2021, the Communtaria Mexico Programme provided free dermatological consultations and care to under-served indigenous communities in Guerrero State, Mexico. Patients also received medications, ointments and follow-up care.

29 March 2021, the Dermatological Society of Malaysia hosted a series of free online public lectures and workshops on common skin conditions to raise awareness about skin health.

On 6 April 2021, the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists provided free online educational talks, consultations, and resources via social media, including Facebook and Instagram.

1 April 2021 – 31 March 2022, Standing Voice introduced and provided training on their patient management system (CommCare) for people living with albinism in seven districts in Malawi. They undertook this initiative as part of their Skin Cancer Prevention Programme (SCCP), jointly implemented with the Ministry of Health. The system enables frontline and community healthcare workers to manage patient clinical data, monitor individual patients’ care pathways, and evaluate and improve health outcomes.

Throughout May 2021, the Swiss Society for Dermatology and Venereology undertook a national multimedia awareness campaign to help raise awareness about skin cancer. They also provided free skin checks and donated sunscreen to attendees across Switzerland.

17 – 26 May 2021, in partnership with Clinique Dermatologique, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry hosted a free educational conference on teledermatology, neglected tropical diseases and skin cancer. They also ran a multimedia campaign on skin health and provided free dermatological consultations and treatment for 277 people living with albinism in Guinea, including distributing sunscreen.

Throughout June 2021, the Society of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology of Nepal raised awareness about the dangers and impact of Topical Steroid Misuse. They trained 300 community pharmacists and developed educational resources for patients.

24 June 2021, the Dermatological Society of Singapore held an online education forum on steroids, eczema, and skin health, open to the public. Topics included the mechanism of eczema, steroid side effects, steroid withdrawal, and newer treatments for eczema

10 – 11 July 2021, the Dermatologic & Aesthetic Surgery International League hosted a World Scar Free Symposium 2021 to educate a wide range of medical personnel about scar healing. This event was held virtually and was attended by individuals from across the world.

September – October 2021, the British Dermatological Nursing Group raised awareness about the importance of skin health and community dermatology in low-resource settings. As part of this, they hosted lectures at Bournemouth University for nursing and medical students. During these sessions, students gained an insight into healthcare in rural Ethiopia and the difference that a simple skin care regimen can make to those with podoconiosis (a neglected tropical disease).

1 Sept 2021 – 15 Sept 2022, the Sri Lanka College of Dermatologists 

Their “The Colour of Beauty is the Colour You Own” campaign raised awareness about skin bleaching and promoted the beauty of diversity in skin colours across Sri Lanka. The nationwide initiative reached over 180,000 individuals and even influenced a notable beauty and skincare company to switch their slogan from “Fair Skin Equals Beauty” to “All Skin Colours are Beautiful.”

Throughout October 2021, the Brazilian Society of Dermatology undertook a multimedia campaign to raise awareness about psoriasis and access to health services. 

10 October 2021, Beyond Suncare undertook sun protection workshops for children with albinism and their families in Bie, Angola.  

17 – 19 October 2021, the Arab Academy of Dermatology and Aesthetics hosted a conference in Dubai, UAE, to raise awareness about Skin Health. As part of this, they provided free lectures and workshops on various skin conditions, including Skin Cancer, the Psychological Burden of Skin Disease and Common Skin Conditions. They also provided free in-person and teledermatology consultations and follow-up care to patients.

15 – 17 November 2021, the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) provided free online & in-person skin consultations & follow-up treatment to 317 people from underserved communities in Malinta & Dagupan City. They also distributed free medications, ointments and creams to patients.

22 – 28 November 2021, the Chilean Society of Dermatology and Venereology undertook a sun awareness multimedia campaign and provided photoprotection training to frontline health workers in Osorno, Chile. They also developed leaflets, flyers, and social media posts on skin cancer and sun protection, reaching over 1.7 million people.

Throughout December 2021, the Brazilian Society of Dermatology undertook a multimedia campaign as part of its efforts to fight and prevent skin cancer, which included television and radio broadcasts and online posts about skin cancer prevention and awareness. 

In December 2021, the Dermatology Nurse Association produced a flyer on healthy skin as part of World Skin Health Day, shared with member societies, affiliate organisations and healthcare providers across the United States. They also ran a national social media campaign on skin health, including tips on caring for your skin.