High Level Event - Skin Diseases as a Global Health Priority

Join us for a critical in-person discussion on the groundbreaking resolution, “Skin Diseases as a Global Health Priority.” Traditionally overlooked due to their non-fatal nature, skin diseases impact over 2 billion people worldwide, significantly affecting quality of life and economic productivity. This resolution, lead by Côte d’Ivoire and co-sponsored by Colombia, China, Egypt, Micronesia, Nigeria, and Togo, marks a transformative shift in global health policy, advocating for an integrated, patient-centered response to skin health.

This event will explore how the proposed resolution:

✔ Recognizes the broad impact of skin diseases—beyond their medical symptoms, they impose substantial social, psychological, and financial burdens. The resolution promotes holistic care that addresses stigma, mental health, and patient well-being.

✔ Strengthens primary healthcare systems—by urging Member States to integrate skin care into routine healthcare services, enhance diagnostic capabilities, and invest in healthcare workforce training.

✔ Mobilizes resources and innovation—calling on governments, donors, and civil society to fund sustainable solutions, including digital diagnostics and teledermatology to reach underserved communities.

✔ Ensures sustained global action—encouraging ongoing dialogue, national action plans, and regular updates at the World Health Assembly to adapt to emerging challenges, including climate-related skin health concerns.

Speakers:

His Excellency Minister Pierre N'Gou Dimba

Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage- Cote D'Ivoire

Jennifer Austin – Chief Executive Officer

International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (GlobalSkin)

Jennifer Austin is a skilled strategist, seasoned leader and committed patient advocate with nearly 30 years of experience in communications, organizational growth, and stakeholder engagement.

Jennifer joined the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (GlobalSkin) as Executive Director in 2016 – one short year after the organization was founded – and became Chief Executive Officer in 2021. Jennifer has been a key architect in building the organization, including its vibrant and connected global community of dermatology patient organizations.

Jennifer has held senior leadership positions in Canada’s Parliament and member-driven NGOs – Scouts Canada, the Canadian Internet Registration Authority, and 4-H Canada. Throughout her career, she has established organizational best practices across a variety of sectors and has received several professional awards for growing the brand and reputation of her organizations.

She sits on a variety of committees, working groups and advisory Boards including the WHO's Civil Society Commission, International League of Dermatological Societies' Patient Organisations Working Group, the World Congress of Dermatology 2027 Scientific Program Committee, and the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance’s Patient Advisory Committee. She is also a European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Advocacy Ambassador.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada and an Advanced Certificate in General Management from Queen’s University School of Business in Kingston, Canada. She a graduate of the EUPATI Patient Expert Fellows Programme (class of 2023).

The mother of a child born with a port-wine stain birthmark on his face, Jennifer is personally connected to GlobalSkin’s mission of creating a world where those affected by dermatological conditions are healthy and fulfilled.

Dr. Claire Fuller- Board Representative

International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS)

Dr Claire Fuller is a consultant dermatologist from London, UK. She is a medical dermatologist with interest in infectious and tropical dermatoses as well as multidisciplinary genital skin diseases management. She is on the leadership team of the Neglected Tropical Disease NGO Network Skin NTD Cross Cutting Group and is a founder member of GLODERM (The International Alliance for Global Health Dermatology) as well as IACS International Alliance for the Control of Scabies.

Iñigo Lasa- General Manager

Anesvad Foundation

Iñigo Lasa holds a degree in Economics and Business Administration from the University of the Basque Country. He has complemented his academic background with a Postgraduate Degree in Communication, Advertising and Media from ESIC, as well as a Postgraduate Degree in Interculturality, Gender and Health from the Faculty of Social Sciences of Latin America. His academic and professional profile reflects a strong commitment to international development, cooperation, and social justice.

He has a solid track record in the field of international cooperation. He served as the representative of Mugarik Gabe in Guatemala, where he also worked as Program Director for the organization Mundubat. He has held the position of Country Coordinator in Nepal with Médecins du Monde, and was Country Director for Action Against Hunger in both Armenia and Peru. In addition, he worked as Country Coordinator in Cuba for Movimiento por la Paz (MPDL), and as Social Development Officer in Sri Lanka for the Spanish Red Cross following the 2004 tsunami.

With diverse and extensive field experience, Iñigo Lasa has led multidisciplinary teams in complex environments, always focused on the promotion of rights, equity, and the construction of more just societies.

Katherine Urbàez- Founder and Executive Director

Health Diplomacy Alliance

A former diplomat from the Dominican Republic, she has been instrumental throughout her career in numerous negotiations and in developing public policies within various multilateral processes, with a specific focus on health, human rights, and environmental issues.

With almost two decades of experience in the multilateral sector, she has served as the focal point for various national commissions and chaired the Coordination of the 2016 Presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Geneva, as well as the Executive Board Membership to the World Health Organization.

She holds a Master of Science in International Strategy and Diplomacy from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM).

Toni Roberts-Co-Founder

DEBRA South Africa

A dedicated advocate for rare disease patients, Toni co-founded DEBRA South Africa after years of connecting and supporting individuals affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa around the country. Armed with her degree in psychology and ten years of experience as a qualified psychological counsellor, she provides practical assistance and emotional support to patients near and far. Appointed as the president of the newly established DEBRA International Youth Council, Toni continues her mission to uplift and up-skill the next generation of leaders. As she is half Swiss, her efforts extend beyond borders as she travels both locally and internationally, championing for effective awareness, advocating for improved guidelines, and amplifying the voices of patients. With unwavering commitment and compassion, Toni strives to make a tangible difference in the lives of those impacted by dermatological conditions, embodying the spirit of empathy and authenticity.