Activities

San Martin de los Andes, Patagonia, Argentina

A regional World Skin Health Day programme brought specialist dermatology care to Patagonia, serving both urban residents and indigenous Mapuche communities. Led by Dra. Isabel María del Pilar Casas with 12 volunteer dermatologists from Argentina and Chile, the initiative delivered free consultations to 254 patients across hospital and rural outreach settings. Alongside clinical care, workshops for patients and families and training sessions for 16 healthcare workers strengthened local capacity and cross-border professional collaboration.

Hal Far, Malta

A multi-site outreach programme delivered dermatology education and care to vulnerable migrant communities across three centres in Hal Far. More than 125 recent migrants received culturally adapted skin-health talks, multilingual information, and free consultations, supported by 15 medical students and a local GP. By combining clinical care with community engagement and NGO partnerships, the initiative improved access to dermatology for families, workers, and newly arrived migrants.

Mbeya, Tanzania

A 10-day Skin Cancer Prevention Programme for people with albinism delivered life-saving dermatology services across 12 hospitals in southern Tanzania. Launched with a high-profile march and outreach clinic at Mbeya Regional Referral Hospital, the programme provided free screenings, cryotherapy, education, and thousands of sun-protective items to more than 320 people with albinism. Supported by the Ministry of Health and extensive national media coverage, the initiative raised awareness, reduced risk, and strengthened long-term prevention services.

Nepal

A country-wide World Skin Health Day campaign mobilised policymakers, academic institutions, and hundreds of clinicians to prioritise skin health across Nepal. Central events in Kathmandu brought together Ministry of Health leaders, the WHO, and international experts for high-level advocacy, hospital visits, and a CME for more than 70 dermatologists. Simultaneously, outreach clinics, education sessions, CMEs, walkathons, and teledermatology programmes across all seven provinces reached more than 830 participants, expanding care, training, and awareness nationwide.

As part of the first official World Skin Health Day, CeraVe partnered with the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics to deliver free dermatology services to underserved communities across the United States. Through its Care For All programme, CeraVe mobilised volunteer dermatologists to provide skin checks, education, and practical skin-care support at participating clinics, helping to overcome barriers such as cost and lack of insurance.

Alongside clinical care, patients and families took part in skin-health education, games, and activities, and received product samples to support ongoing treatment. A national awareness campaign, supported by a dedicated microsite and social media, helped connect people with nearby clinics and reliable skin-health information, extending the impact of the initiative beyond the day itself.

Australia

A national virtual roundtable brought together seven patient support groups, dermatology leaders, and policy partners to address the burden of hair, skin, and nail conditions in Australia. Fifteen participants explored challenges in access to care, treatment, and support, contributing to the development of a future patient-experience resource. Amplified through social media, the campaign reached nearly 4,000 people, strengthening advocacy for recognition of dermatological disease across health and government sectors.

SOLIDERM, an initiative by the French Dermatology Society (SFD), aims to ensure permanent access to dermatological care through sustainable healthcare solutions. Detailed information is available on their dedicated webpage here. Awaiting more detailed information about initiatives/ activities.

1 -31 January, the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) held its “Purple January” leprosy awareness campaign to mark World Skin Health Day. The campaign featured educational videos, digital outreach, and family involvement for early detection and promoted free treatment via Brazil’s Unified Health System, enhancing community awareness and early disease identification. In total, they reached 4 million people across Brazil.

The Guinea Clinique Dermatologique, in collaboration with the Universities Mahatma Gandhi and La Source, conducted activities for World Skin Health Day (WSHD) from January 20 to 31, 2024, in Conakry, Guinea. They launched with a press conference, offered free skincare to over 700 people, primarily children, in Kindia, and hosted an international dermatology congress online (attended by 300 people, including governmental officials, WHO reps, residents, nurses, medical students and dermatologists). Their efforts focused on underserved communities, providing diagnoses, treatments, and education on dermatological health. The impact was significant, with hundreds receiving essential dermatological care and raising awareness of skin health issues.

In February 2024, the Mudug Poly Clinic held a dermatology outreach clinic in Galkayo, Puntland, Somalia, aimed at providing specialist skincare services to communities with limited access to healthcare. The event featured a team of dermatologists, nurses, and healthcare professionals who offered individual consultations to diagnose and treat various skin conditions such as rashes, acne, eczema, and potential skin cancers. Treatment options ranged from prescribing medications to advising on lifestyle changes, complemented by educational sessions on skin care, sun protection, and the early detection of skin cancer. The clinic also provided vital referrals for further specialised care and arranged follow-up appointments to ensure ongoing management. This initiative significantly enhanced local access to dermatological care, particularly benefiting those in underserved areas or with restricted resources.

Elixir Life Science Pvt. Ltd hosted a medical camp designed to disseminate vital health information and services through an online webinar on 2 February 2024. This camp aimed to reach a broad audience, offering essential medical advice and support through interactive sessions. These activities underscore the global commitment to advancing skin health, tailored to address unique challenges and opportunities in dermatology, aiming to improve skin care access, education, and outcomes globally.

From 13 to 18 May 2024, the Georgian Association of Photodermatology and Skin Cancer will conduct a series of awareness and free skin check-up events across Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi, Georgia. These activities will focus on raising awareness about skin cancer and melanoma, providing educational sessions, screenings, and consultations. The initiative aims to improve early detection and treatment of skin cancers, offering vital dermatological care and resources to the public in these locations.

To combat skin NTDs and mark WSHD, the Malagasy Society of Dermatology (SOMADER) will host a congress in Toamasina on 22-23 May, with Global Dermatology, and attended by the Madagascar Ministry of Health, WHO, ISD, and ILDS, dermatologists, epidemiologists and healthcare professionals. This event, featuring over 40 presentations in multiple languages, aims to enhance awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of skin NTDs. It will bring together international experts for knowledge sharing and collaboration. Following the congress, on 24-25 May, they will undertake outreach and provide free skin healthcare in local healthcare centres in Tamatave, focusing on chroblastomycosis and sporotrichosis. Grenoble’s mycology-parasitology laboratory’s participation underscores the initiative’s significance in addressing skin NTDs globally.

In recognition of World Skin Health Day and “525 Skincare Day,” the Chinese Society of Dermatologists (CSD)/China Dermatologist Association (CDA) is set to launch its “Amazing China Skin Health First” initiative on 25 May 2024. This comprehensive national effort will include three key components: interviews with dermatology experts online, themed activities, and a free clinic day. The initiative is designed to promote the proper understanding of scientific skincare, guide the public in effective skincare practices, and help prevent skin diseases. Across China, 700 hospitals and clinics will participate, reinforcing the commitment to improving Skin Health for All. 

On 6 July 2024, the Dermatological Society of Singapore (DSS) will host a public forum on skin health for approximately 400 members of the general public at a community centre in Singapore. The forum will cover common skin conditions in the paediatric and elderly age groups, skin cancers, common hair conditions, eczema, psoriasis, and common pigmentation problems. Interactive booths will also be set up, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and clarify any doubts they may have.

Dermosphere’s Initiative focuses on rural areas, hosting skin awareness camps on 7 & 8 July, 2024, in New Delhi. The aim is to elevate dermatological care and knowledge within underserved communities, emphasising preventive skin health practices and basic care to foster healthier communities.

On 8 July 2024, the Department of Biotechnology at MVN, JS & RVR DC, MKP College, will hold a guest talk by a renowned dermatologist in Andhra Pradesh, India. This educational event will cover various skin health topics, offering insights into common dermatological issues and their management. The event aims to improve the understanding and management of skin health issues among attendees, with detailed information on their website.

From 8 July 2024, Dalberg Media will undertake the “Re-Global Health” initiative, a journalistic project headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, to tell impactful global health stories to improve awareness and engagement on skin health issues. This initiative will include various activities and multimedia content to inform the public about pressing global health challenges involving global participation.

On 31 August 2024, the University of Vale do Paraíba (UNIVAP) in Brazil will host “A Flor da Pele,” an event to promote information about dermatological conditions and treatments. This initiative will feature educational seminars, interactive sessions, and expert consultations to enhance public knowledge of skin health. The event will be accessible online via www.dermacamp.org.br, allowing a broad audience to benefit from its resources.

In October, the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) will undertake a multimedia campaign to raise psoriasis, including television and radio broadcasts and online posts about identifying and managing the condition. 

In December, the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) will undertake a multimedia campaign to raise awareness about sun exposure and skin cancer, including television and radio broadcasts and online posts about skin cancer prevention and awareness.