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WHO Renews Official Relations Status with the ILDS

26 Mar 2025

Reaffirming the ILDS as a Key Partner in Advancing Global Skin Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) has renewed the ‘Official Relations’ status of the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) for a further three-year term, from 2025 to 2027. This renewal underscores the ILDS’s vital role in promoting skin health around the world.

The only dermatology-focused organisation to hold this prestigious status, the ILDS comprises more than 200 member societies from 104 countries, representing more than 200,000 dermatologists globally. In collaboration with its charitable foundation, the International Foundation for Dermatology (IFD), the ILDS delivers a range of impactful initiatives to expand access to dermatological care. These include grant programmes, awards, training, and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the burden of skin diseases, particularly in underserved regions.

What does it mean to have Official Relations status?

Official Relations status is a privilege granted by the WHO’s Executive Board to non-governmental organisations, international bodies, and other non-state actors that have consistently contributed to advancing public health goals through sustained and effective collaboration with the WHO. It allows the ILDS to actively support the WHO in specific areas of public health and engage in key WHO meetings, including the annual World Health Assembly, where global health policies and strategies are shaped.

“Since the ILDS was first granted Official Relations Status with the WHO, we have collaborated in a range of key areas including the eleventh revision of the WHO’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11); its Model Lists of Essential Medicines and in its work to tackle Neglected Tropical Disease, Non-Communicable Diseases and Occupational Diseases. We are delighted to be able to continue this work and develop new areas of collaboration.” Prof Lars French, ILDS-WHO Committee Chair and Immediate Past ILDS President

The renewal was confirmed during the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board in February 2025. Moving forward, the ILDS will implement a structured three-year plan aligned with WHO’s strategic priorities, reinforcing its commitment to improving skin health worldwide.

With 3,000 skin diseases affecting more than three billion people at any one time, these diseases are a major contributor to the global disease burden. They can also be life-changing, placing immense strain on affected individuals, healthcare systems and economic productivity. Addressing them is essential to achieving WHO’s universal health coverage goals.

“We are honoured that the WHO has reaffirmed our Official Relations status, strengthening our ability to advocate for skin health as a global priority. This renewal allows us to continue working closely with the WHO and global health leaders to drive meaningful change and improve outcomes for those affected by skin diseases. I commend the ILDS’ WHO Committee, led by Professor French, for its outstanding efforts over the past three years which have secured the renewal of our Official Relations status with the WHO.” Prof Henry W. Lim, ILDS President

Founded in 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. It leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage, directing and coordinating the world’s response to health emergencies and promoting healthier lives. Skin diseases, which can lead to disability, social isolation and economic burden, are a significant yet often overlooked component of public health.