News Detail Page

056/2025
WHO resolution on skin diseases

Prof. John from Osnabrück University significantly involved

The resolution "Skin diseases as a global public health priority" was recently adopted by all WHO member states. One of the leading professional dermatologists, Prof. Dr. Swen Malte John from Osnabrück University, played a key role in this.

At the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) at the end of May, the member states of the WHO emphasized the global priority of skin diseases in healthcare. Skin diseases cover a broad spectrum of conditions, including infectious, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, congenital dermatoses, chronic and rare diseases, malignant skin tumors and climate- and environment-related skin diseases.

"In the vast majority of countries, awareness of skin diseases is still low. Unfortunately, this applies to both healthcare professionals and the general public," explains Prof. John, member of the WHO committee of the global umbrella organization of dermatological societies (International League of Dermatological Societies, ILDS). According to the dermatologist from Osnabrück, this urgently needs to change. With the resolution, the member states undertake to pay particular attention to the issue of the burden of skin diseases at national level.

The resolution calls on the member states to prioritize skin diseases and provide resources for national programmes for prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Research into the epidemiology of skin diseases should be strengthened, laboratory capacities increased and the costs of these services reduced. Healthcare staff in primary care should be trained in skin diseases during their training so that they can also provide advice to patients and their relatives if necessary. Telemedicine and digital dermatology should be further developed, research into skin diseases and their prevention should be promoted and the work of patient organizations should be supported. Equal access to cost-effective, affordable and high-quality treatment - including medicines and wound care materials - is to be promoted.

Further information for editorial offices:
Prof. Dr. med. Swen Malte John, Osnabrück University
Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine, Health Theory and
Institute for Interdisciplinary Dermatological Prevention and Rehabilitation
 johnderm@uni-osnabrueck.de

Related news

A lake with trees, with mist hanging over it
© Lars Gieger | stock.adobe.com

Mourning for Rudolf Schepers

The Institute of Education mourns the loss of Dr. Rudolf Schepers, who passed away on June 11 at the age of 86. As a pioneer of teacher training , he made a major contribution to the history of Osnabrück University.

A woman and a man look into the camera in front of a white wall.
© Jens Raddatz

Project for in-depth exploration of the Osnabrück enlightener's political opinions

The statesman, jurist and writer Justus Möser (1720-1794) has received a wide variety of assessments. In a research project, Möser's handwritten political opinions are now to be comprehensively catalogued.

Three men and three women in front of a yellow castle.
© Jens Raddatz

One Vice President and two Vice Presidents re-elected

On June 11, the University Senate unanimously re-elected one Vice President and two Vice Presidents to the five-member governing body.

Prof. Segger-Piening is presented with a bouquet of flowers
© Anke Sundermeier

Habilitation thesis by Prof. Dr. Segger-Piening receives award

Prof. Dr. Segger-Piening was recently awarded the Building Law Research Prize of the German Building Court Conference for his habilitation thesis entitled "The Building Contract".