Across 2024 and 2025, the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), through its DermLink Grants Programme, supported 31 locally led projects addressing diverse skin health needs in communities around the world.

From remote Indigenous communities in Brazil and underserved villages in Bangladesh to refugee camps in the Democratic Republic of Congo and schools in Tanzania, these projects demonstrate the impact that targeted funding, local expertise and international collaboration can achieve.

Together, the projects have delivered meaningful improvements in skin health and access to care:

• Approximately 50,000 lives have been positively impacted
• More than 28,000 patients have received dermatological care or treatment
• Over 3,700 healthcare professionals and dermatologists have received additional training
• More than 17,000 people have benefited from education, awareness and prevention initiative

What can locally led dermatology projects achieve?

DermLink grants are designed to support projects that address local skin health priorities. Led by ILDS Members and their partners, these initiatives are developed by people who understand the specific challenges facing their communities and are best placed to create meaningful, sustainable solutions.

Over the past two years, projects have tackled a wide range of issues including leprosy, skin cancer, albinism, epidermolysis bullosa (EB), neglected tropical skin diseases, scabies, psoriasis, topical steroid misuse and community skin health education.

Many projects focused on increasing access to dermatological care in underserved areas, while others strengthened local healthcare capacity through training, education, outreach services and tele dermatology initiatives. Together, they demonstrate the power of locally led action in addressing skin health challenges across a diverse range of settings.

Strengthening healthcare systems for the future

While many DermLink projects deliver immediate benefits through screening, diagnosis and treatment, they are also helping to build stronger healthcare systems for the future.

Across 2024 and 2025, thousands of healthcare professionals received training to improve their ability to recognise, diagnose and manage skin diseases. Projects strengthened referral pathways, supported community health workers, integrated skin health into primary care services and increased local capacity to deliver ongoing care.

These improvements help ensure that the impact of DermLink extends beyond individual projects, leaving a lasting legacy within the communities they serve.

DermLink Projects 2024

In 2024, DermLink supported 16 projects across Africa, Asia and South America, helping to expand access to dermatological care, strengthen local healthcare systems and improve awareness of skin health in underserved communities. Together, these initiatives reached thousands of patients, healthcare professionals and community members, demonstrating the impact of locally led solutions to skin health challenges around the world.

We are inspired by the impact these projects have achieved in their communities and proud to share an overview of the completed projects that contributed to this collective success:

DermLink Projects 2025

Building on this success, DermLink supported a further 15 projects across 14 countries in 2025, with more than US$70,000 awarded through the programme. Together, these projects positively impacted more than 30,000 lives, provided dermatological care or treatment to over 15,000 patients and supported the training of more than 2,500 healthcare professionals, further strengthening access to skin health services in communities worldwide.

Together, these projects have made a meaningful difference to skin health in communities around the world. We are delighted to share an overview of the completed initiatives that contributed to this collective achievement:

A shared commitment to skin health for the world

The achievements of 2024 and 2025 demonstrate what can be accomplished when local leadership is supported through targeted funding, shared expertise and international collaboration. From strengthening healthcare systems and expanding access to care, to training healthcare professionals and supporting vulnerable communities, DermLink continues to help turn local knowledge into lasting impact.

Together, these projects showcase the dedication of ILDS Members, healthcare professionals, community organisations and volunteers working to reduce inequalities in skin health around the world.

They also demonstrate how locally led solutions can create sustainable improvements that continue to benefit communities long after individual projects have ended.

The ILDS is proud to support these locally led initiatives through the DermLink Grants Programme and looks forward to seeing future projects continue to improve skin health in communities around the world.