In May 2025, the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly adopted resolution WHA78.15, recognizing skin diseases as a global public health priority. The resolution calls for coordinated action to improve prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, surveillance, health workforce capacity and research, while addressing stigma, discrimination and the mental health consequences of skin diseases.
In response, WHO has drafted the Global Action Plan on Skin Diseases 2026–2035 (GAP-SKIN), which is currently being reviewed by Member States. The plan is intended to provide a strategic framework to support integrated, people-centred skin health services within primary health care, universal health coverage and national health systems. It is organized around seven mutually reinforcing areas: coordination and financing; national planning; integrated services; workforce capacity; equity, mental health and stigma reduction; surveillance and data; and laboratory networks and research.
GAP-SKIN is supported by a package of companion documents that translate its strategic direction into practical approaches for country implementation. The package covers:
- recognition, management and referral of common skin diseases at primary health-care level;
- monitoring indicators and reporting methods;
- health workforce training and competency;
- partner coordination through the proposed Global Skin Health Alliance;
- development of national action plans for skin diseases;
- transparent prioritization of diseases and service needs; and
- research, responsible innovation and evidence-to-impact.
Together, the resolution, GAP-SKIN and the companion documents provide a pathway from global commitment to country-led action and measurable impact.
The draft GAP-SKIN and companion documents remain subject to consultation, review and applicable WHO clearance processes.
Public review and feedback
WHO invites Member States, health authorities, organizations of people affected, health professionals, professional societies, civil society, academic and research institutions, implementation partners and other interested stakeholders to review the draft companion documents.
Your feedback will help improve the clarity, relevance, feasibility and practical value of the proposed framework and tools for country implementation.
Kindly provide your written feedback to Dr. Kingsley Asiedu at asieduk@who.int.
Please submit your comments by 31 August 2026.
Reference documents
Main documents
- Resolution on skin diseases as a global public health priority (WHA78.15)
- Draft Global Action Plan on Skin Diseases 2026–2035 for Member State consultation
Companion documents
- Common Skin Diseases for Management or Referral at Primary Health Care Level
- Compendium of Indicators for Monitoring
- Training and Competency Framework
- Global Skin Health Alliance Partnership Framework
- National Action Plan Guidance
- Skin Diseases Prioritization Framework at Country Level
- Skin Health Research, Innovation and Evidence-to-Impact Framework