ILDS in the News
3 Nov 2025
Following the release of our Position Statement on Skin Bleaching, The Guardian published a powerful feature exploring the link between the long-term use of skin-lightening creams and the rising incidence of skin cancer among Black African women.
The article reflects the ILDS’s call for stronger regulation and public education to end the harmful practice of skin bleaching and promote safer, more inclusive standards of beauty.
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“The decision by the WHO to place adalimumab and ustekinumab biologic therapies on their essential medicines list for adults and children with psoriasis means that many thousands of people with psoriasis, wherever they may live in the world, now have access to these powerful and effective medicines.”
Prof. Christopher Griffiths — Director, Global Psoriasis Atlas and Special Advisor to ILDS on Global Health Research and Policy
“For the ILDS, this historic decision highlights the importance of continuing to collaborate with the WHO, our member societies, and partners to ensure that these global decisions lead to real improvements in care, particularly in underserved communities."
Prof Henry W. Lim
The Hindu recognised the inclusion of sunscreens and moisturisers as essential medicines as a “welcome step forward” for skin health worldwide.
The article highlighted the ILDS’s advocacy role in this important decision, noting how improved access to these products can transform the lives of people with albinism and others living in regions with limited dermatological resources.
"In the Solomon Islands, a population of around 900,000, there are currently no dermatologists. In Papua New Guinea, a population of 11 million, there are 2 dermatologists. In the Gambia, there are 24 million people and no dermatologists."
Dr Claire Fuller, Chair of the International Foundation for Dermatology
“It’s really a true turning point for global dermatology. For a long
time, skin diseases have been overlooked by the broader public
health agenda, despite the profound impact that they have on
individuals and communities.”
Prof Lars French, ILDS Immediate Past President
The Pacific Dermatology Training Centre (PDTC) in Fiji has expanded rapidly since opening in 2019. 11 doctors from across the Pacific have already completed the Postgraduate Diploma, with more progressing through the Master’s programme. Patient numbers have grown from 800 a month at launch to over 2,000 a month, recorded in 2024.
With new investment, including a $1 million commitment from ILDS, the PDTC is strengthening training, expanding research, improving data collection and developing new services such as fungal diagnostics and future nurse training to strengthen dermatology care in the Pacific region.
A special video episode of Skin of Color Savvy on HCP Live brought together Dr Nada Elbuluk, Dr Esther Freeman (IFD Vice-Chair and GLODERM Co-Founder), and Dr Karolyn Wanat (GLODERM Chair) to discuss the rapidly growing field of global health dermatology.
The discussion highlighted GLODERM’s collaboration with the Skin of Color Society and the positive impact of these partnerships in improving access to dermatologic care for underserved communities around the world.
