The 2nd Global Meeting on skin-related neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs) opens in Geneva today, to accelerate progress on integrated approaches for these conditions that disproportionately affect marginalized communities, worldwide.
Bringing together over 1000 experts, national programme managers, researchers, policy-makers, public health advocates and partners, the 3-day meeting seeks to advance innovative strategies for the prevention, detection and treatment of these often-overlooked diseases.
Skin NTDs1 impact millions of people, leading to severe disability, stigma and socioeconomic hardship. The NTD road map 2021–2030 focuses on integration as a cross-cutting approach to strengthen health systems and ensure no one is left behind.
"Integration is key to accelerating progress in achieving targets of the 2030 NTD road map," said Dr Ibrahima Socé Fall, Director, WHO Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme. "By bringing together experts across disciplines and diseases, this meeting is a testament to integration and will drive forward innovative solutions that improve early detection, treatment and long-term care for those affected."
This year's discussions explore the potential use of artificial intelligence and other digital tools to improve training, diagnosis, management and training, particularly in resource-limited settings.
The meeting provides a platform for representatives from ministries of health, researchers, nongovernmental organization, donors, civil society and affected communities to align efforts and share best practices in scaling up integrated approaches.
"Skin diseases often go unreported, yet they have a profound impact on individuals and communities," said Professor Henry Lim, President, International League of Dermatological Societies. "This meeting is a call to action for all stakeholders to work collaboratively together in ensuring equitable access to diagnosis, treatment and care of people affected skin diseases."
This second global meeting on skin NTDs follows a key milestone: the recommendation by the 156th WHO Executive Board for a resolution on skin diseases2 to be adopted at the 78th World Health Assembly in May this year.
1 The skin NTDs include Buruli ulcer; cutaneous leishmaniasis; mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis and other deep mycoses; leprosy (Hansen's disease); lymphatic filariasis; onchocerciasis; post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis; scabies and other ectoparasitoses (including tungiasis); and yaws.
