Skin health for all: update on skin neglected tropical diseases with a focus on Buruli ulcer and yaws
Weekly epidemiological record
13 June 2025
| Journal article
Overview
Skin diseases in general are the third most prevalent cause of illness, with almost 5 billion incident cases of skin and subcutaneous diseases, and one of the first 10 causes of disability. They are also among the 10 most common causes of outpatient visits. Of the 21 diseases or groups of diseases recognized as NTDs, about half of cases present with skin manifestations (the so-called skin NTDs),which are often associated with long-term disability, stigmatization and mental health problems. They all require detection by examination of the skin and case management approaches, thus presenting opportunities for integration, which both increases cost–effectiveness and extends coverage.
WHO recently published updates on cutaneous leishmaniasis/post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis, leprosy (Hansen disease), lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. The objective of this article is to provide updates from the second global meeting on skin NTDs and an update on Buruli ulcer and yaws.
Editors
World Health Organization
Number of pages
11
Reference numbers
WHO Reference Number: WER No 24-25 2025, 100, 239–250