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About the World Health Assembly (WHA):
- WHA is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO).
- It meets annually in Geneva and is attended by delegates from all 194 WHO Member States.
- It determines WHO policies, reviews budgets, and sets health priorities.
- The 78th WHA (2025) focused on inclusive health, equity, and neglected disease areas, leading to the landmark skin health resolution.
Key Highlights of the Resolution:
- Global Burden: Skin diseases affect around 1.9 billion people, yet remain neglected and underfunded, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
- Sponsors & Supporters: Jointly sponsored by Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Togo, Micronesia, and others; backed by the International League of Dermatologic Societies (ILDS).
- Significance:
- Reframes skin health as a matter of public health, dignity, and social justice.
- Urges action on treatment access, stigma reduction, training, and inclusive research.
India’s Context:
- High Disease Burden: India faces widespread pigmentary disorders, fungal infections, psoriasis, and neglected tropical skin diseases.
- Opportunities Ahead:
- Integrate skin care into national health programs.
- Promote research on skin of colour and its specific needs.
- Expand primary care dermatology training and anti-stigma campaigns.
Why in News?
- Â 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) unanimously adopted a historic resolution titled “Skin diseases as a global public health priority”, marking the first time ever that skin health has received global recognition in public health policy.
