Inside GLODERM Pre–AAD: Advancing Equity in Dermatologic Care Worldwide

Today, the GLODERM pre–American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) meeting convened a global audience of dermatology leaders, clinicians, and trainees to explore how recent policy gains, particularly the World Health Assembly (WHA) resolution on skin diseases, can be translated into meaningful improvements in patient care. Across multiple sessions, speakers highlighted both the promise of global alignment and the persistent structural barriers that continue to limit access to dermatologic care worldwide.

From Policy Momentum to Practice

Opening the meeting, Claire Fuller, MA, FRCP, a consultant dermatologist and a central figure in advancing the WHA resolution, framed the discussion around implementation.¹ Fuller outlined 3 priorities: integrating skin health into primary care systems, expanding access to essential dermatologic medicines, and strengthening data and workforce capacity to support sustainable delivery.

Her remarks set the tone for the session: global recognition alone is insufficient without actionable strategies to integrate skin health into national health agendas.

Access in Underserved Settings

Building on this theme, Cyndy Muliro, MMED, MBchB, shared practical insights from Kenya, where efforts to expand dermatologic care rely heavily on task-shifting and community-based models.² These approaches reflect a broader shift toward decentralizing care and empowering frontline health workers in regions with limited specialist access.

Dermatology in Incarcerated Populations

A particularly compelling presentation came from Georgia Pace, MBBS, a general practitioner trainee and researcher with the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network of New South Wales. Her study examined dermatologic disease among more than 66,000 individuals entering correctional facilities over a 10-year period.³

Although only 4% had a recorded skin condition, Pace cautioned that this likely reflects significant underreporting. As she explained, “unless a patient reported the condition themselves, or it was noticed by a health care practitioner, it didn’t end up within our electronic health system,” pointing to systemic gaps in data capture.

Her findings also revealed stark disparities, particularly among Aboriginal populations, who face compounded barriers to care before and during incarceration. Environmental and structural factors, including overcrowding, limited specialist access, and disrupted continuity of care, further exacerbate disease burden.

Importantly, Pace emphasized that, “all of these conditions are manageable, but they’re manageable with access to dermatology, which is what we don’t have.” Her presentation underscored the need for culturally informed care models and improved transitions of care as individuals enter and exit correctional systems.

Allergy Care and Diagnostic Inequities

Jonathan White, PhD, MB ChB, MRCP, BSc, an English-trained dermatologist practicing in Belgium with expertise in contact dermatitis, addressed the global burden of allergic skin disease. He highlighted both the clinical impact and the variability in diagnostic capacity worldwide.⁴

“Allergic contact dermatitis can lead to important socio-economic consequences,” he noted, emphasizing that these conditions extend beyond physical symptoms to affect employment and quality of life.

Despite this burden, access to patch testing—the diagnostic gold standard—remains inconsistent. White stressed that “it’s a quite a complicated procedure… and it’s time consuming,” requiring trained personnel, standardized allergens, and multiple patient visits. These barriers limit availability in many low-resource settings.

He also pointed to broader systemic issues, noting that “we need to be able to code these allergies so that the WHO and other stakeholders can monitor trends,” highlighting the importance of standardized data systems such as ICD-11 for global surveillance and policy planning.

Addressing Neglected Diseases and Equity

The second half of the meeting shifted focus toward health equity and neglected conditions. Dallas Smith, PharmD, MAS, discussed implantation mycoses, emphasizing that limited diagnostic capacity and restricted access to antifungal therapies continue to hinder care in endemic regions.⁵ His remarks reinforced the need for integrated approaches that leverage existing health infrastructure.

Similarly, Furen Zhang, MD, PhD, from China presented long-term strategies for controlling skin neglected tropical diseases, including leprosy, in low-endemic areas.⁶ His work highlighted the importance of sustained surveillance, early detection, and integration of vertical disease programs into broader health systems.

A Coordinated Global Agenda

Looking ahead, Esther Freeman, MD, PhD, associate professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, introduced the forthcoming Lancet Commission on skin health.⁷ The initiative aims to define a unified global strategy, addressing workforce gaps, access to care, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The commission represents a growing recognition that skin disease is not only widespread but also deeply intertwined with broader issues of health equity and system capacity.

Conclusion

Across presentations, a consistent message emerged: the global dermatology community has reached a pivotal moment. With policy frameworks now in place, the challenge lies in implementation—translating resolutions into accessible, equitable care.

The GLODERM Pre–AAD meeting highlighted that achieving this goal will require coordinated action across disciplines, investment in health systems, and a sustained focus on populations historically left behind.

References

1. Fuller C. From resolution to realisation: Turning political will into global action for skin health. Presented at: 2026 GLODERM Pre-AAD Scientific Meeting; March 26, 2026; Denver, CO.
2. Muliro C. Bringing the resolution in practice: Improving access to skin care in Kenya. Presented at: 2026 GLODERM Pre-AAD Scientific Meeting; March 26, 2026; Denver, CO.
3. Pace G. Skin health needs of incarcerated populations in Australia. Presented at: 2026 GLODERM Pre-AAD Scientific Meeting; March 26, 2026; Denver, CO.
4. White J. World Health Assembly Resolution: Global response for skin allergy. Presented at: 2026 GLODERM Pre-AAD Scientific Meeting; March 26, 2026; Denver, CO.
5. Smith D. Tackling implantation mycoses: challenges, awareness and global multidisciplinary action. Presented at: 2026 GLODERM Pre-AAD Scientific Meeting; March 26, 2026; Denver, CO.
6. Zhang F. Finding the needle in haystack: Best practices for Skin NTDs control in low epidemic areas from Shandong Province, China. Presented at: 2026 GLODERM Pre-AAD Scientific Meeting; March 26, 2026; Denver, CO.
7. Freeman E. The Lancet Commission: a new agenda for global skin health. Presented at: 2026 GLODERM Pre-AAD Scientific Meeting; March 26, 2026; Denver, CO.