Migrant Health Working Group

The Migrant Health Working Group (MHWG) of the International Foundation for Dermatology (IFD) brings together global specialists to discuss skin health issues facing migrants and refugees. There are currently over 100 million refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) worldwide due to conflicts or natural disasters. Skin conditions and sexual health issues are common in these groups, and the situation is often hampered by delayed access to specialised healthcare.

Mission Statement: 

To enhance the skin and sexual health of migrant and displaced populations through improved access to care, education, advocacy, collaboration, research, and a focus on rights and equity.

Led by Dr Valeska Padovese, special advisor to the IFD Committee, the Working Group shares best practice and advocates for improved skin and sexual health provision for migrants, refugees and IDPs.

Subgroups:

The MHWG has four subgroups, each with their unique objectives.

Scientific meeting & Advocacy

Subgroup leads: Dr Sidra Khan and Dr Muhammed Hyder Junejo

To enhance understanding of skin and sexual health issues faced by migrant and displaced populations through research and knowledge sharing.

Sexual Health and SGBV (Sexual and Gender-Based Violence)

Subgroup leads: Isotta Rossoni and Dr Konstantinos Protopapas

To address the critical intersection of sexual health and experiences of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) among migrant and displaced populations.

Mission trip & Teledermatology

Subgroup leads: Dr Juan Ortiz Alvares

To enhance access to specialised skin and sexual healthcare through mission trips and innovative teledermatology services.

Capacity Building

Subgroup leads: Professor Wendemagegn Enbiale and Dr Cristina Galvan Casas

To enhance the capabilities of healthcare providers and empower migrant populations through education and resource development.

Advisory Team

• Chris Griffiths
• Alexia Knapp
• Apostolos Veizis
• Anne Jachman

Read about our previous activities:

• Lebanese mission: news article on the ILDS website or article on Middle East Monitor
• Summer School: 3rd Summer School on Refugee and Migrant Health - migration and refugee health
• Migrant Health Summit 2022: Migrant skin health: perspectives from the Migrant Health Summit, Malta, 2022 | British Journal of Dermatology | Oxford Academic

Publications

• Challenges of Managing Skin Diseases in Refugees and Migrants. Padovese V, Knapp A. 2021 Jan;39(1):101-115. Review. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.det.2020.08.010
• Sexually transmitted infections’ epidemiology and knowledge, attitude and practice survey in a set of migrants attending the sexual health clinic in Malta. Padovese V, Farrugia A, Almabrok Ali Ghath S, Rossoni I. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020 Sep 23. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.16949
• A skin disease and needs assessment analysis of the displaced Rohingya population in the Kutupalong refugee camp, Bangladesh. Khan SS, Padovese V, Maurer TA, Barua DP, Chowdhury MIH, Islam MA, Mowla MR, Griffiths CEM. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2020 Dec;45(8):1051-1054. https://doi.org/10.1111/ced.14310

Toolkit teaching recordings

• Generalized Skin Itching: Infectious and Non-infectious Causes
• Localized Skin Itching: Infectious and Non-infectious Causes
• Change in Skin Pigmentation: Hypo and Hyper Skin Disorders
• Genital Conditions Part I
• Plaques: Infectious and Non-infectious Causes
• Generalized Skin Itching: Infectious and Non-infectious Causes
• Localized Skin Itching: Infectious and Non-infectious Causes
• Change in Skin Pigmentation: Hypo and Hyper Skin Disorders
• Genital Conditions Part I
• Plaques: Infectious and Non-infectious Causes

Our collaborating partners:

UNHCR – Tanzania

Bridges2Health&Rights

American University of Beirut

Lebanese Dermatology Society

Regional Dermatological Training Centre

International Foundation for Sexual Health Education

World Health Organisation