The World Health Organization (WHO) is organizing the first worldwide conference on skin-related neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs) at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, from March 27–31, 2023. 

Around 800 delegates from 86 nations are anticipated.  This conference will examine how to effectively integrate case management for skin NTDs utilizing cross-cutting strategies to boost efficiency and broaden coverage throughout the healthcare industry.  

The third most common cause of illness and one of the top 10 causes of disability is skin diseases. 

They rank among the top 10 reasons for outpatient visits and are frequently linked to mental health issues, long-term disabilities, and stigma. At least 10 of the 20 neglected tropical illnesses have cutaneous symptoms.  

Skin NTDs are widely prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical regions and include Buruli ulcer; cutaneous leishmaniasis; Mycetoma, Chromoblastomycosis, and other deep mycoses; leprosy; Lymphatic filariasis; onchocerciasis; Post-Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis; scabies and other Ectoparasitoses and yaws. They all call for the same kind of case management and detection.