Migrant Health Dermatology Working Group

The Migrant Health Dermatology Working Group (MHDWG) of the International Foundation of Dermatology (IFD) brings together global specialists to discuss skin health issues facing migrants and refugees. The Working Group shares best practice and advocates for improved skin health provision for migrants, refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs).

There are currently over 84 million refugees and IDPs. Skin diseases are common in these groups but access to specialised healthcare is often limited. The issue of migrant health has grown as a result of recent crises around the world, such as conflicts in Syria, Myanmar and Ukraine.

The MHDWG has been actively involved in field missions, including visits to Cox's Bazaar in Bangladesh, Malta, Lebanon, and Myanmar, where they have undertaken significant work to assess and address the dermatological and sexual health needs of displaced populations. These missions have been crucial in forming partnerships and setting the groundwork for sustainable health initiatives. 

It has hosted several Migrant Health Symposiums, in partnership with Dr. Valeska Padovese and Bridges2Health&Rights, and are part of the upcoming 3rd Summer School on Refugee and Migrant Health in Bern, Switzerland. The MHDWG has also contributed to and participated in various WHO developments, such as the Health and Migration Programme and has been instrumental in disseminating knowledge through publications in peer-reviewed journals. These publications provide valuable insights into the epidemiology of diseases, healthcare practices, and the unique challenges faced by migrants and refugees in different parts of the world. 

This is a dynamic area of work for the IFD. If you would like to help and you have dermatologic experience with migrants, refugees or IDPs, please email info@ilds.org.

The IFD was created in 1987 to carry out the humanitarian work of the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), and supports projects in Africa, Asia Pacific and South America. The IFD is critical to helping ILDS achieve its goal of #SkinHealth4theWorld.