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Date of issue: October 2026
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Dear ILDS Members, friends and colleagues,
As we enter the final quarter of 2026, I am encouraged by the continued commitment and collaboration of ILDS Members in advancing skin health worldwide. Across our global community, meaningful differences are being made through education, research, advocacy and patient care.
A key highlight this quarter was World Skin Health Day on 8 July, which saw participants from at least 70 different countries across all regions of the world take part, reaching more than 8.4 million people. With at least 47 Member organisations participating under the theme “Better Knowledge, Better Skin Health,” the campaign demonstrated the impact we can achieve when we come together around a shared goal.
We have also seen
strong momentum behind the ILDS Movement for Safe Skin, bringing together experts, advocates and community leaders from more than 70 countries to raise awareness of the risks associated with harmful skin-lightening practices and empower people to make safer, informed choices.
Another important milestone was the launch of the Global Access to Skin Health Observatory Study, a landmark assessment of access to dermatological care worldwide and the inequalities affecting millions of people living with skin disease. The study, recently published in JAMA Dermatology, provides vital evidence to help identify gaps, inform advocacy and guide action, while also serving as a call to action to increase capacity for skin health training and delivery. Explore the findings and consider how this evidence can support your own work and efforts to improve access to skin
health care.
The breadth of ILDS Members’ work is showcased in the newly launched ILDS Member Initiatives Directory 2026, featuring 64 initiatives from 61 Member organisations across education, research, advocacy and patient care. View the publication, celebrate the work of fellow ILDS Members, discover new ideas, and find opportunities to connect and collaborate.
All of these achievements reflect the strength of our international community and the value of working together. I encourage you to explore the stories, celebrate the achievements of your colleagues, and consider how you can engage with ILDS programmes and initiatives in the months ahead.
Together, we can continue building momentum towards our shared vision of Skin Health for the World.
With warm personal greetings,
Thank you for making World Skin Health Day 2026 a success
Under this year’s theme, “Better Knowledge. Better Skin Health.”, communities around the world came together to raise awareness, share trusted information and champion better skin health.
With participation from more than 70 countries and 47 Member organisations, your campaigns, events and outreach helped bring the theme to life. By sharing knowledge, raising awareness and taking action, you played a vital role in advancing the campaign’s mission. Thank you for being part of this global effort.
Save the date: World Skin Health Day returns on 8 July 2027.
Movement for Safe Skin: Challenging harmful skin-lightening practices
In July, ILDS launched the Movement for Safe Skin - a global campaign challenging harmful skin-lightening practices and championing informed choices, healthier skin and the beauty of every skin tone.
Skin bleaching affects millions of people worldwide and can carry serious health risks. The Movement for Safe Skin brings together communities, health professionals, Member Societies and partners to raise awareness and help change the conversation around skin lightening, without blame or stigma.
A range of free campaign resources is available to help you bring the movement into your own communities, including social media materials, a visual guide to understanding skin bleaching and practical talking points.
Download the toolkit and help us build a future where healthy skin is celebrated in every shade.
Coming this November: ILDS Safe Skin Practices Dialogue
The conversation continues this November with an 'ILDS Safe Skin Practices Dialogue', bringing together experts and people with lived experience to explore the medical, social and cultural factors behind skin bleaching - and practical ways to promote safer skin practices. Designed as an interactive conversation, the Dialogue will give participants the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with speakers.
The date and speakers will be announced soon. Follow @ildsderm to learn more.
For the first time, see the global gaps in access to skin health
Earlier this month we launched the comprehensive global study revealing where access to dermatological care is falling short - and putting that data directly into the hands of those working to improve skin health.
The Global Access to Skin Health Observatory, developed by ILDS and L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty, brings together data from 158 countries, representing 97% of the world’s population, creating a new evidence base for understanding access to dermatological care worldwide.
Led by Dr Esther Freeman, the first findings reveal stark disparities: only one in six countries has enough dermatologists to meet population needs, while dermatologist density is 14 times higher in high-income countries than in low-income countries.
The primary outcomes paper has now been published in JAMA Dermatology, and our interactive Skin Observatory Data Explorer allows you to explore the findings at global, regional and country level - providing evidence that can help inform conversations with governments, health systems and other decisionmakers.
Hear from Dr Esther Freeman, Principal Investigator, as she introduces the Study, its findings and what this new evidence means for global skin health.
Updates from the ILDS Secretariat
The ILDS held its Annual General Meeting online on 2 September, followed by a Member Forum attended by representatives from 101 ILDS Member organisations. Updates were shared on recent activities and future plans, with recordings and presentations circulated to ILDS Members by email.
Not received your link? Contact membership@ilds.org
On 31 October 2026, eligible ILDS Members will receive their personal links by email to submit their nominations for the ILDS Regional and International Director vacancies that will open up in June 2027. Nominations open on 31 October 2026. Find out more
The ILDS Member Initiatives Directory 2026 features 64 articles from 61 ILDS Member organisations across 46 countries showcasing the breadth of activity, expertise and innovation across our community. Discover the inspiring initiatives helping to advance dermatology and improve skin health around the world. ILDS Member Initiatives Directory 2026 - ILDS
The ILDS will be at the 25th Congress of the Ibero Latin American College of Dermatology (CILAD) in Porto, Portugal between 27 - 31 October 2026. Visit the ILDS/WCD booth (E12) and find out more about the World Congress of Dermatology and and view our Membership Map! Come and find your country, add your sticker and help us celebrate the global reach of our membership!
A new course, Lymphoedema Management in Resource-Limited Settings, is now available on the ILDS Skin Health Training Hub. Developed by the WHO Skin NTD Working Group on Skin Health, Wound Care and Rehabilitation with WHO technical staff, the course is
designed for front-line health workers managing lymphoedema in resource-limited settings. Enrol for free
ILDS Members are invited to apply to hold an independent educational session the before the start of the American Academy of Dermatology's Annual Meeting in San Francisco, USA on Thursday 18 March 2027. This opportunity is available to ILDS Members only - visit here for more information.
ILDS Awards
We are delighted to announce that nominations for the ILDS Certificate of Appreciation Awards 2027 are now open. We invite you to recognise individuals making outstanding contributions to the dermatological community. Nominations are open to dermatologists and others in dermatological care who have demonstrated exceptional contributions in International Leadership or Humanitarian Dermatology. Need help? Contact membership@ilds.org.
After an outstanding response to our call for nominations, we are delighted to announce the 21 recipients of the ILDS 2026 Certificate of Appreciation Awards. Nominated by ILDS Member organisations, each recipient has made exceptional contributions in either International Leadership or Humanitarian Dermatology. Click here to meet the recipients!
COMING SOON! The six recipients of the Young Dermatologist International Achievement Award 2027 will be announced on the 14 October 2026. Keep an eye on our website and social media for the announcement!
Webinars
Please find links to upcoming and previous webinars from the ILDS Education Committee and beyond. All upcoming webinars will be recorded and added to our playlist on the ILDS YouTube channel. Click here to view.
The GDEF Seminar Series connects experts from across research, clinical practice and public health to explore global dermato-epidemiology.
The latest seminar, Implementation and Health Policy, examined how research can inform policy and practice. Watch the recording or catch up on previous seminars. The next seminar will be held on 5 November 2026 and will explore innovative approaches to data visualisation in skin health research. Further details will be shared on ILDS social media.
The ILDS Education Committee hosted a global webinar on Paediatric Dermatology on 22 September, featuring Dr Arti Nanda, Dr Minia Campos and Dr Elena Pope. Topics included paediatric dermatology emergencies, atopic dermatitis and infantile haemangiomas.
Missed the webinar? Watch the recording on the ILDS YouTube channel.
During Fungal Disease Awareness Week 2026, ILDS and the the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hosted a webinar on resistant dermatophytoses, bringing together international experts to discuss antifungal resistance, diagnosis, treatment and the global response.
Explore more upcoming webinars and learning opportunities in the GLODERM section below.
Advancing Global Skin Health | 4th ILDS World Skin Summit
The ILDS is proud to publish the World Skin Summit's Final Report, capturing the key discussions, insights and recommendations from the 4th ILDS World Skin Summit (WSS) that took place in Cape Town, South Africa from 23-25 October 2025.
Bringing together 162 delegates, representing 82 ILDS Member Societies across more than 54 countries, the World Skin Summit focused on advancing access to affordable skin healthcare and strengthening global partnerships. Explore the report to discover the key outcomes that will help shape future action in skin health worldwide.
Building on discussions at the 4th ILDS World Skin Summit (WSS), a new article in the International Journal of Dermatology sets out the Cape Town Action Plan for Neglected Tropical Skin Diseases. Developed from Workshop 1, the Action Plan translates global commitments into practical steps for strengthening diagnosis, treatment access, workforce capacity, specialist support and data at the point of care.
Welcome to our new Members
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to the newest ILDS Member organisations:
To find ILDS Members from around the world, click here to view the ILDS 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:
Featured in The Independent
The ILDS was recently featured in The Independent in an article highlighting the global challenges of accessing skin health care. Drawing on insights from the Global Access to Skin Health Observatory, the feature explores the significant gaps in dermatology workforces and services worldwide, and the impact these inequalities have on people living with skin diseases.
A recent Healio article highlighted findings from a landmark study published through the Global Access to Skin Health Observatory, revealing that more than 40% of countries have poor access to dermatologic care. The feature underscores significant disparities in access to skin health services worldwide and reinforces the importance of robust data to support advocacy and drive improvements in care.
The Dermatology Digest recently highlighted new data from the Global Access to Skin Health Observatory, revealing that just one in six countries has enough dermatologists to meet population needs. The article underscores the significant disparities in access to skin health care worldwide and highlights the importance of strengthening the dermatology workforce to improve outcomes for patients globally.
International Foundation for Dermatology
Funding available: Apply for a 2027 DermLink Grant
Do you have a project that could improve skin health or access to dermatological care in an underserved community? Funding of up to US$5,000 is available through the 2027 DermLink Grants Programme.
DermLink Grants provide US$3,000-US$5,000 to support practical, locally led initiatives that respond to community needs and strengthen access to dermatological care. Applications close Friday 9 October at 5 PM GMT.
The Community Skin Health Journal 22 (1) issue is now available to read online. This issue includes:
- French Guiana Tropical Dermatology Congress: a digest – Part II
- Dermatology training needs for nurses: a tertiary hospital-based survey in Eldoret, Kenya
- The British Dermatological Nursing Group: my new role as Member and International Liaison Lead
- Accessibility and Affordability of Emollients in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis in Africa
- Rehabilitation Interventions in Skin and Wound Care
- JOURNAL CLUB: Trends in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Gabon
Registration for the 32nd Regional Dermatology Training Centre (RDTC) Continuing Medical Education (CME) Conference & Past Graduate Reunion is now open! The CME will take place from 13 -15 January 2027. This year’s theme is ‘Global and Tropical Dermatology in the Age of Misinformation: Challenging Myths, Empowering Communities and Advancing Skin Health.’ This event will be held at the Kuringe Social Hall in Moshi, Tanzania.
This year, in collaboration with the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC), the RDTC is also hosting a pre CME conference: The Regional Dermatology Youth Summit. This event will take place in Arusha, Tanzania from 9 -10 January 2027. It will bring together young healthcare professionals, researchers, students, innovators, advocates, and policymakers from across the ECSA region to shape the future of skin health.
Updates from GLODERM
Registration is now open for the GLODERM CILAD Scientific Meeting 2026!
Taking place as part of CILAD Congress 2026, join us in Porto, Portugal, for Global Skin Health Challenges. An engaging programme exploring
innovative approaches to improving skin health equity and access to dermatologic care.
Key themes:
🔹 Community-Based Solutions for Skin Health in Latin America
🔹 Advancing Dermatologic Care in Underserved Communities
Register to attend the GLODERM Scientific Meeting in person or sign up to receive updates when the recorded session becomes available online. *Please note that in-person attendance at the GLODERM Meeting requires registration for CILAD Congress 2026.
What does it take to manage and control scabies?
From diagnosing individual patients to implementing population-wide interventions.
Join our upcoming webinar from the GLODERM Trainee Committee, where expert speakers Dr Marlous Grijsen and Dr Joseph Sangatu will give ‘An Update on Scabies: From Clinical Diagnosis to Population Control’.
📅 19 October 2026 🕙10:00 -11:00 UTC.
Register now to hear from experts working across clinical practice, research and public health.
World Congress of Dermatology
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!
WCD2027 will bring together an outstanding line-up of internationally recognised leaders and innovators in dermatology. Discover the confirmed plenary speakers and learn more about the experts who will be shaping discussions on the latest advances, challenges and opportunities in skin health.
There is still time to contribute to the scientific programme. The abstract submission deadline has been extended to 12 October 2026, providing an additional opportunity for researchers, clinicians and trainees to showcase their work on a global stage. Submit your research for oral or poster presentation and be part of the scientific conversations shaping the future of dermatology.
Join the global dermatology community at the ILDS World Congress of Dermatology 2027 in Guadalajara, Mexico, from 21 to 26 June 2027. Register now to secure discounted Early Bird rates and gain access to a world-class scientific programme featuring leading experts from across the specialty. ILDS Members can also benefit from exclusive registration discounts. Early Bird registration closes on 31 October 2026.
Events
Due to an unprecedented response to our recent call for ILDS Member Events, we will be sharing the upcoming events in a separate email later this week.
Check your inbox for news of all the latest ILDS Member events in your area or visit the ILDS Events page.
*Terms and conditions apply (see form for more details). Any request received may be considered by the ILDS before publication.
Important dates
14 October 2026
Young Dermatologist International Achievement Award 2027 recipient announcement
31 October 2026
ILDS Board of Director Elections 2027 - open for nominations
31 October 2026
Deadline for ILDS Certificate of Appreciation 2027 award nominations
30 November 2026
ILDS Membership renewal forms sent
31 December 2026
Deadline for ILDS Membership renewal forms
6 January 2027
Deadline for nominations for ILDS Board of Directors 2027
Follow @ILDSDerm to stay up to date with all the latest news, activities and opportunities or scan the QR code below.
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