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Date of issue: October 2025
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Dear ILDS Members, friends and colleagues,
The past few months have been busy and productive for the ILDS and our community, marked by collaboration and progress.
At the EADV Congress in Paris, I reconnected with colleagues and celebrated the achievements of our Member Societies. At MEIDAM, I was honoured to receive the 2025 MEIDAM Pioneers Award, reflecting our shared commitment in dermatology. I also attended several Member Society events at their kind invitation. I presented at the PERDOSKI (Indonesian Society of Dermatology and Venereology) meeting, and I had the privilege to participate in the Global Chinese Dermatology Summit in Hong Kong.
We welcomed the WHO’s inclusion of biologics for psoriasis, sunscreen for albinism, and urea- and glycerol-based moisturisers for atopic dermatitis in the Model List of Essential Medicines — a historic milestone that will significantly improve patients’ quality of life, made possible by the dedicated efforts of our Members and partners.
It was a pleasure to take part in the ILDS Grand Challenges meetings, bringing together experts and industry partners to advance research, education and take collective action on skin disease.
As we prepare to host the 4th ILDS World Skin Summit, we are pleased to share that the first World Forum on Skin Cancer Prevention and Management in Persons with Albinism will be held in Cape Town on 27–28 October.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support as we work together to strengthen dermatology worldwide.
With warm personal greetings,
Henry
Updates from the ILDS Secretariat
The 4th ILDS World Skin Summit is taking place this month from 23-25 October 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa bringing together leaders from ILDS Member organisations and partners under the theme 'Making Treatment Accessible and Affordable Worldwide'. Following the historic adoption of the Resolution recognising Skin Diseases as a Global Public Health Priority, we will explore how we can improve access to care, address inequalities and support colleagues to transform dermatological services around the world. Find out more.
We are looking forward to welcoming ILDS Member Representatives to the ILDS Annual General Meeting 2025 taking place in Cape Town, South Africa during the WSS. The 2025 AGM is an in-person only meeting and ILDS Members not able to attend in person have been contacted inviting them to submit proxies. Deadline for proxy submissions - 09:00am 23 October 2025.
Contact membership@ilds.org if you have any questions.
Skin diseases affect millions of people around the world, influencing wellbeing, mental health and social inclusion. Yet, they have often been overlooked in global health efforts. To address this, ILDS launched the Grand Challenges for Skin Health Initiative in 2015.
A new BJD publication, “Grand Challenges for Skin Health Revisited: The ILDS Skin Disease Atlases,” co-authored by GlobalSkin, highlights progress in closing data gaps, empowering patients and reducing stigma worldwide. Read the full BJD publication.
The ILDS Grand Challenges in Global Skin Health Initiative meetings took place in early October, bringing together the teams behind the Global Psoriasis Atlas, Global Atopic Dermatitis Atlas, Global Hidradenitis Suppurativa Atlas (GHiSA), and Global Vitiligo Atlas (GLOVA), each playing a vital role in addressing the global burden of skin disease.
The second day featured an Industry Summit, where partners and Atlas teams came together to explore how collaboration can strengthen research, education and clinical understanding, driving progress in improving skin health worldwide. Catch up with the event on LinkedIn.
The first World Forum on Skin Cancer Prevention and Management in Persons with Albinism will be held on 27–28 October 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The event will bring together professionals, researchers, advocacy leaders, and patient organisations to improve prevention, care and outcomes for persons with albinism. Participants will share research, best practices, and policy approaches, working toward a global action plan to strengthen prevention, treatment and advocacy.
Organised by the ILDS, Global Albinism Alliance (GAA), and Standing Voice (SV), with support from the Pierre Fabre Foundation and ISDIN, the Forum represents a growing global alliance for the health and wellbeing of persons with albinism. Find out more.
Inside the Work of the ILDS
The ILDS brings together dermatology societies from around the world to improve skin health globally. Through advocacy, education, and global partnerships, we are working to strengthen dermatology in every region and support access to care for those who need it most.
Our mission is simple but powerful: #SkinHealth4theWorld.
Watch our new video to learn more about our work, our impact and the people behind the society.
Webinars on Demand
Global Dermatology Leadership: My Journey
Watch back this special edition webinar with
Dr María Ivonne Arellano Mendoza (ILDS Secretary General and Head of Dermatology at Hospital General de Mexico), as she shares insights from over 30 years of her remarkable journey - from advancing dermatologic care across Latin America to global dermatology leadership.
Advancing Psoriasis Care
Catch up on our recent webinar featuring international psoriasis experts who share insights into complex subtypes, paediatric presentations, and practical approaches to differential diagnosis.
Expand your knowledge by tuning into talks from leading voices in the field and a lively Q&A.
ILDS Member Initiatives Directory 2025
The 2025 ILDS Member Initiatives Directory is now available, showcasing projects and activities from 46 ILDS Member Societies around the world. This annual publication highlights the many ways our members are improving access to care, advancing education and research, and making a positive impact in their communities. Discover the breadth of work taking place across the ILDS network and explore how our members are helping to achieve better skin health for the world.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all ILDS Members who have generously contributed to the ILDS Member Initiatives Directory 2025.
Your invaluable efforts and dedication have played a significant role in
enriching this publication.
Welcome to our New Members
We are delighted to welcome the following societies to our unique community!
To find ILDS Members from around the world, click here to view the Member Directory.
ILDS in the News
We continue to develop relationships with dermatological news outlets around the world to promote global skin health on behalf of ILDS Members and the wider dermatology community. See the recent highlights:
Publication: The Guardian
Following the release of our Position Statement calling for global action against the harmful practice of skin-bleaching in March, The Guardian published an article on the link between skin bleaching and cancer in black African women. The article links the long-term use of skin-lightening creams which often contain hydroquinone and potent corticosteroids, to rising cases of skin cancer in Black African women, and cites over 55 documented cancer incidents.
We have issued a position statement on the dangers of misuse of powerful topical steroids and are urging stronger regulation and public education globally.
Publication: Dermatology Digest
The WHO added the biologics adalimumab and ustekinumab to its Essential Medicines List (EML) for the treatment of psoriasis, following an application submitted by the ILDS. Featured in Dermatology Digest, the update includes commentary from ILDS President Prof Henry W. Lim and Director of the Global Psoriasis Atlas and Special Advisor to ILDS, Prof Chris Griffiths and other leaders, on this milestone for global dermatology.
Publication: HCP Live (video)
This video episode of Skin of Color Savvy in HCP Live brings together Skin of Color Society President Dr Nada Elbuluk with
Dr Esther Freeman, IFD Vice- Chair, GLODERM Co-Founder, and GLODERM Chair, Dr Karolyn Wanat. The discussion highlights the expanding field of global health dermatology, the impact of GLODERM’s work in under-resourced settings, and an exciting new collaboration between GLODERM and the Skin of Color Society.
Publication: Dermatology Times
Dr Claire Fuller (IFD Chair) and
Dr Lars French (ILDS Immediate Past-President) were interviewed by Dermatology Times on how a World Health Assembly resolution, together with grassroots efforts, could help address the vast "dermatology deserts" that leave many in remote areas without access to proper skin care.
Read the article on pages 43-44.
ILDS in Motion
Meet Our Members: The Mongolian Dermato-Venereological Society
How do you deliver dermatology care across a country separated by vast distances and harsh climates? In Mongolia, the Mongolian Dermato-Venereological Society (MDVS) is addressing this every day. Representing over 200 specialists, they are improving access to care through outreach, training, policy engagement and international collaboration. This film highlights their resilience and innovation, from rural screening missions to shaping national health policy.
From Patient to Changemaker: Dr Doriane Sabushimike’s Journey
Dr Doriane Sabushimike is an RDTC graduate now working as a Dermato-venereologist in Burundi. She shares her journey, from suffering with childhood eczema to becoming a specialist. With support from the IFD, GLODERM, and an ILDS DermLink grant, Dr Sabushimike has launched her first outreach clinic and is working towards building long-term dermatology services. Her story shows how RDTC graduates are driving change across the region.
International Foundation of Dermatology
The most recent issue of the Community Skin Health Journal features a diverse selection of insightful articles and global updates in dermatology. Learn how dermatology societies around the world are celebrating a milestone WHA Resolution on Skin Diseases, explore diagnostic clues for infectious skin ulcers, and review new research providing an epidemiological snapshot of skin conditions in rural India. Also read compelling case study on dermatophytosis following tattooing and an update on the approval of moxidectin for a pilot onchocerciasis community treatment programme in Ghana. Read the full issue here or on the CSH App.
The ILDS Migrant Health Working Group has launched a five-part virtual training course designed to support those providing care for internally displaced persons and refugees. These short, expert-led modules cover common skin conditions and skin NTDs in displacement settings, including infections, inflammatory diseases, wound care, and skin cancer, providing essential knowledge for frontline health workers.
Watch these sessions anytime from our website (scroll to Virtual Training Resources)
ILDS Engagement with the WHO
Following the adoption of a historic WHA resolution recognising skin diseases as a global public health priority, the WHO is inviting Member States and stakeholders to complete a survey to inform the development of a global action plan for skin diseases. We encourage all ILDS Members, partners and stakeholders to participate and contribute to this important effort by the deadline, 31 October 2025.
The WHO has taken a historic step for dermatology and global health equity by adding biologics adalimumab and ustekinumab for psoriasis, and broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+) for persons with albinism, to the Model List of Essential Medicines (EML). The applications were submitted by the ILDS, supported by our members, and global partners including the International Psoriasis Council and Global Albinism Alliance. Also approved were urea- and glycerol-based moisturisers. Read the article.
News from our Partner - GLODERM
The GLODERM Mentorship Programme, supported by CeraVe Care for All, is the cornerstone of our mission to advance global skin health. It connects
early-career dermatologists and physicians from
resource-limited settings with mentors in global health dermatology, fostering professional growth and
long-term collaboration.
From January 2026, mentees will benefit from one-on-one personal development sessions with their mentor, leadership training, an in-person mentorship experience at the Regional Dermatology Training Centre in Tanzania, and global networking opportunities - wrapping up at the World Congress of Dermatology in Guadalajara, Mexico in 2027.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026! We look forward to supporting their journey as future leaders in dermatology.
During Alopecia Awareness Month in September, GLODERM hosted a special webinar series featuring expert speakers discussing the important aspects of alopecia. Sessions covered the basics, diagnosis, clinical cases, and treatment trends, and concluded with a live Q&A panel.
If you missed it, the full recordings are available on the GLODERM YouTube channel: Alopecia Awareness Series.
GLODERM and the EADV Tropical Dermatology Task Force hosted a hybrid symposium in Paris and online last month, exploring global perspectives in dermatology. Presentations covered topics such as snake bites, arboviroses, skin NTDs, leprosy and leishmaniasis. Additional sessions explored STIs, skin health strategies for refugees and displaced populations, and innovative mobile health solutions.
Watch the full recording on YouTube: EADV Scientific Symposium.
World Congress of Dermatology
With delegate registrations due to open in the new year in 2026, there is no better time to follow the World Congress of Dermatology 2027 (WCD2027) on social media and sign up to the newsletter! Be the first to know about the programme, special rates for ILDS Members and more!
Sign up here.
Last few spaces available to showcase your activities and dermatological expertise to WCD2027 delegates! Exclusively for ILDS Members only, ILDS Sister Societies’ Meetings are scientific sessions that take place on 21 June 2027, before the beginning of the WCD2027’s official Scientific Programme.
Click here to book your meeting.
Events
Upcoming ILDS and Member events can be found below. Visit our events page for more information.
*Terms and conditions apply (see form for more details). Any request received may be considered by the Communications Committee before publication.
Important dates
23-25 October 2025
4th ILDS World Skin Summit in Cape Town, South Africa
25 October 2025
ILDS Annual General Meeting 2025
31 October 2025
Deadline for the WHO Survey on Global Skin Health
30 November 2025
ILDS Membership Renewal - check your inbox!
December 2025
Call for nominations - ILDS Certificate of Appreciation Awards 2026
Follow @ILDSDerm to stay up to date with all the latest news, activities and opportunities or scan the QR code below.
Editor's Message:
This edition captures an exciting moment for our community, with progress unfolding across so many areas of global dermatology. From ILDS engagement with the WHO, to the anticipation of the upcoming World Skin Summit in Cape Town, the stories shared here show how collaboration continues to move skin health forward worldwide.
What stands out most is the collective spirit that drives this work. Each project, partnership, and publication reflects the dedication of ILDS Members and partners working together to make meaningful change.
Thank you for being part of this journey and for all that you contribute to advancing skin health globally. I hope you enjoy this issue and feel inspired by what we are achieving together.
Warm regards,
Esther
Dr Esther Freeman
Editor, ILDS Newsletter
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