World Skin Health Day Summary Report of 2022
24 Apr 2023
World Skin Health Day 2022 was a global success, with activities taking place in countries around the world, including Chile, Australia, Madagascar, France, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Uzbekistan. The events included various campaigns, clinics, workshops, lectures, and training sessions for frontline and community health workers. These efforts combined reached over 8 million people.
We have created an update for you of some of the activities:
The campaign's impact was also felt locally, as evidenced by the case studies in this report.
In collaboration with Speak My Language Radio, the Australasian College of Dermatologists launched its campaign and podcast series, "Caring for the Skin You're In", to encourage Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to seek help for chronic skin, hair, and nail conditions. The podcast was available in 8 languages and downloaded by over 4,000 listeners.
The Ibero-Latin American College of Dermatology provided dermatological training to 120 general practitioners, nurses and medical students in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. They also hosted an outreach clinic in Barahona, Dominican Republic, and treated over 1,200 patients.
The French Society of Dermatology hosted "online sharing days" where people with skin conditions can seek advice and guidance and undertook a national multimedia campaign to raise awareness about skin health, reaching over 1.5 million people. 1,800 Participants were also surveyed about their experience and expectations of skin health services. In partnership with patient associations, the French Society of Dermatology will host a roundtable on the outcome of their public survey "skin diseases, what are your expectations?" later this year.
The Malagasy Society of Dermatology held scientific presentations and free workshops on atopic dermatitis, attended by global policy leaders, healthcare professionals, students, and Malagasy Ministry of Health officials. They also undertook an outreach clinic in an underserved rural community in southern Madagascar, offering free dermatological care and treatment. They treated 303 patients in total.
The Pakistan Association of Dermatologists treated inmates for skin and sexual health diseases, including follow-up care, at Lahore Central Jail. They also provided educational workshops to raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections and diseases. In total, they treated 128 patients.
The Sri Lanka College of Dermatologists undertook a poster and leaflet campaign in schools and public offices to raise awareness about leishmaniasis, including preventing the spread of the condition and accessing treatment. Their awareness campaign reached over 180,000 people.