The second global meeting on skin-related neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs) convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded last week with a strong call for integrated approaches and enhanced partnerships to achieve the 2030 NTD road map targets. The meeting took place amid ongoing challenges in global health financing.
“The fight against skin NTDs requires a unified effort in the face of growing challenges,” said Dr Ibrahima Socé Fall, Director of the WHO Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme. “For three days, participants emphasized the importance of robust partnerships across diseases to effectively implement recommended interventions against skin NTDs.”
The meeting, held from 24 to 26 March under the theme “Integration to Achieve 2030 Targets,” brought together participants from 97 countries (over 300 participants in person and over 800 online participants) including representatives of ministries of health, health-care workers, individuals with lived experience, researchers and partners. Discussions focused on embedding skin NTD interventions into national health systems to ensure sustainability and broader impact.
“Achieving the 2030 targets will require a stronger collective commitment to integration,” said the keynote speaker, Professor Roderick Hay, King’s College London. “We must support ministries of heath in implementing innovative strategies that guarantee equitable access to care for affected populations.”
Key highlights
- Integrated approaches: country presentations demonstrated the feasibility of jointly delivering interventions against multiple diseases, as well as mainstreaming such interventions within existing programmes; notably, findings revealed that over 90% of patients screened for skin NTDs also presented with other common skin conditions emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach within the primary health-care system.
- Development of new tools: presentations highlighted the potential of digital and artificial intelligence-based tools for capacity strengthening.
- Advances in research: discussions on telacebec – a promising new medicine to treat mycobacterial infections (Buruli ulcer, leprosy and tuberculosis) – highlighted the potential to significantly shorten durations of treatment.
- Psychosocial challenges: experts called for the integration of mental health services into NTD programmes, recognizing the profound psychosocial impact of skin NTDs.
- Climate change and One Health: discussions focused on mitigation measures against the impact of climate change on spread of skin diseases and stressed incorporating a One Health approach in disease transmission studies.
- Wound care and rehabilitation: discussions on mycetoma, noma and podoconiosis emphasized the need for early detection, integration of surgical and rehabilitation services into comprehensive health care.
- Strategic partnerships: a new €20 million investment over 5 years by L’Oréal Act for Dermatology to improve global access to skin health, including skin NTDs, was announced at the meeting. Additionally, the Anesvad Foundation renewed its funding commitment to expand integration efforts for skin NTDs in west Africa.
- Skin NTD working groups: the 13 working groups set up after the first global meeting in 2023 continue to provide a strong foundation for advancing work on skin NTDs and other common skin diseases.
- Historic resolution on skin diseases: the anticipated adoption of a resolution at the 78th World Health Assembly recognizing skin diseases as a global public health priority is expected to provide greater visibility and a stronger voice for millions, worldwide.
The meeting concluded with a strong call for collaboration to address the health challenges of vulnerable populations, aligning with WHO’s broader commitment to leave no one behind by ensuring inclusive and integrated health-care services.
WHO remains committed to supporting countries and partners in integrating skin NTD interventions within primary health care systems, fostering collaboration and driving innovation to improve the lives of millions affected by these debilitating diseases and achieve the ultimate goal of Skin Health for All.