The WHO Foundation and L’Oréal Groupe’s Dermatological Beauty Division have joined forces in a groundbreaking four-year partnership aimed at expanding access to skin health treatments worldwide. With a focus on low- and middle-income regions, this initiative is set to accelerate efforts by the World Health Organization (WHO) in addressing a wide range of skin conditions, from neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) to those linked to climate change and common dermatological concerns like acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo.
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A Step Toward Equitable Skin Healthcare
Skin diseases impact millions globally, yet many communities, particularly in underserved areas, struggle to access proper diagnosis and treatment. By improving surveillance systems and training healthcare workers to recognize early symptoms, this collaboration seeks to close the gap in dermatological care. WHO will develop educational materials, including the WHO Skin NTDs App, to equip medical professionals with essential tools to diagnose and treat common skin disorders more effectively.
Advancing Dermatological Knowledge and Resources
Through this partnership, the WHO Foundation will act as a bridge between WHO and L’Oréal, amplifying the need for better skin healthcare access. The initiative will encourage knowledge-sharing, promote best practices in dermatology, and advocate for further partnerships to scale up skin health efforts.
A Global Health Priority
The launch of this partnership comes at a crucial time when skin health is gaining traction as a global health issue. The upcoming 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025 is set to discuss a resolution recognizing skin diseases as a priority on the international health agenda. This collaboration reinforces the urgency of improving dermatological care worldwide and ensuring that effective treatments reach those who need them most.
With skin health now taking center stage, the WHO Foundation and L’Oréal are paving the way for a future where dermatological care is more accessible, equitable, and impactful for communities across the globe.
