DNDi supports the adoption of the resolution on ‘Skin Diseases as a Global Public Health Priority.’ Skin neglected tropical diseases (SNTDs) significantly impact communities in low- and middle-income countries. Detection and diagnosis remain limited, and many treatments are outdated and toxic.

The resolution’s inclusion of research and development for, and access to, missing health tools should be maintained. However, the current commercial biomedical R&D system overlooks the needs of people affected by SNTDs, resulting in limited treatment options. Without government intervention, these unmet medical needs will persist.

We urge countries to:
• Support the development of health tools through collaborative R&D models with public, private, and nonprofit organizations that prioritize patient needs and leverage and strengthen local capacity;
• Mobilize domestic and international resources; and
• Train health workers to enhance community-level detection and screening for SNTDs.