WHO Foundation and L’Oréal Partner to Advance Global Skin Health
The WHO Foundation and L’Oréal Group, through its Dermatological Beauty division, have announced a landmark four-year partnership aimed at improving global access to skin health treatments. This initiative is particularly focused on low- and middle-income countries, where access to dermatological care remains limited. The collaboration aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) broader efforts to support nations in addressing skin diseases, including those linked to neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), conditions exacerbated by climate change, and prevalent dermatological issues such as acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and vitiligo.
Addressing the Global Burden of Skin Diseases
Skin diseases affect approximately 2.1 billion people worldwide, significantly impacting their quality of life, self-esteem, and overall health. Many of these conditions remain undiagnosed or untreated due to a lack of trained healthcare providers, diagnostic tools, and effective treatment options in underserved regions. The WHO Foundation and L’Oréal Group recognize the urgent need for improved access to dermatological care and aim to bridge these gaps through strategic interventions.
Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall, Director of the WHO Global Programme on Neglected Tropical Diseases, emphasized the critical importance of early detection. “Many neglected tropical diseases first manifest on the skin, and early diagnosis can be life-changing. Now, more than ever, we need global support and solidarity to ensure access to diagnosis and treatment—so that people suffering from skin NTDs or other dermatological conditions are not left behind.”
Strengthening Healthcare Capacity Through Training and Surveillance
One of the central goals of this partnership is to expand surveillance systems for skin diseases and enhance healthcare workers’ capacity to recognize and diagnose early symptoms. The initiative will prioritize training frontline healthcare professionals, particularly in vulnerable communities where people often lack access to specialists.
To facilitate this effort, WHO will develop specialized training materials and deploy digital tools such as the WHO Skin NTDs app. This resource will help clinicians and community health workers improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment approaches for a broad range of skin conditions. By leveraging mobile technology and AI-driven insights, the app will enable healthcare providers to make informed decisions and guide patients toward appropriate treatment pathways.
A Milestone Contribution by L’Oréal Group
L’Oréal’s commitment to improving skin health extends through its €20 million, five-year “Act for Dermatology” program. This initiative supports innovation in dermatological research, medical training, and community outreach to enhance skin disease management worldwide.
“The L’Oréal Act for Dermatology program represents our unwavering dedication to improving the lives of billions who suffer from skin conditions,” said Myriam Cohen-Welgryn, President of L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty. “We believe that access to dermatological care should not be a privilege, but a universal right. By working closely with dermatologists, medical professionals, and global organizations like WHO, we can take significant steps toward ensuring that quality skin health services reach every community, regardless of location or economic status.”
Elevating Skin Health on the Global Health Agenda
The announcement of this partnership comes at a crucial moment as skin health is gaining recognition as a global health priority. The upcoming 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025 is expected to discuss a resolution acknowledging skin diseases as a significant global health concern. This recognition is anticipated to spur increased investments, policy advancements, and international collaboration to improve dermatological healthcare.
Coordinating Efforts for Greater Impact
The WHO Foundation will serve as the primary coordinator of this partnership, ensuring alignment between WHO’s mission and L’Oréal’s expertise in dermatology. This collaboration aims to:
- Raise awareness about the urgent need for improved skin disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Develop and disseminate best practices for dermatological care in diverse healthcare settings.
- Foster multi-sector collaboration, engaging additional stakeholders, including governments, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations, to scale impact.
Anil Soni, CEO of the WHO Foundation, underscored the power of public-private partnerships in advancing global health. “This initiative exemplifies how collaboration between global health organizations and private sector leaders can drive meaningful change. By facilitating this program, the WHO Foundation is not only supporting WHO’s mission but also helping L’Oréal achieve its goal of elevating the global standard of skin health.”
The Path Forward
Over the next four years, the partnership between the WHO Foundation and L’Oréal Group will work toward measurable improvements in skin disease detection, treatment accessibility, and healthcare workforce training. The impact of this initiative will be closely monitored, with findings used to refine approaches and inform future global dermatology efforts.
As skin health takes center stage in global health discussions, initiatives like this underscore the need for collective action. Through dedicated investments, strategic collaboration, and a shared commitment to equitable healthcare, this partnership has the potential to transform dermatological care and improve the lives of millions worldwide.
