Over 100 million of people suffer from this skin disease daily, but there is no cure in sight. With focus on collaboration efforts, we can bring that number closer to zero.
Take action today and urge the UN Secretary-General to prioritize multilateral efforts in healthcare and education for this neglected disease.
The 25June Initiative aims to increase awareness of vitiligo and raise funds for research, national vitiligo associations and support groups. Led by the VR Foundation, this year’s goal is to mark World Vitiligo Day on June 25 a date to be observed annually by the United Nations.
Longer term the 25June Initiative aims to generate knowledge of vitiligo, its appropriate care, arrest and treatment methods amongst the general public, health care providers, and governments.
This year we aim to raise 500,000 signatures to address the United Nations in order to:
- Recognize this neglected and debilitating disease associated with severe social complications;
- Recognize the urgent need to pursue multilateral efforts in therapy development and health-care education;
- Designate June 25 as the World Vitiligo Day to be observed by the United Nations and Member States every year.
Recognition is the first step for the prevention, better treatment and care of vitiligo in line with the sustainable development of national health-care systems.
There are a lot of people who don't want you to stand up for your rights and demand a cure. They say vitiligo is not life threatening and not contagious, and you must embrace a life of a pariah, hiding yourself from sunlight and from the society.
Vitiligo is an under-researched disease resulting in milky white skin patches on the skin. The breadth and complexity of the disease require international collaboration in therapy development. The severity of the disease calls for national healthcare support.
So, speak up for your condition and your rights. Sign the letter to tell the UN Secretary-General that you want recognition and support. It would be appreciated if you could give every member of your family or group an opportunity for signing.
Physical Therapist at Winner Regional Healthcare Center, South Dakota, USA. Former HOD Physiotherapy & Fitness center, NIMT Hospital, Greater Noida. Former Physio ISIC Hospital. MPT (neuro), MIAP, cert. manual therapist, Medical Neuroscience (USA). Licensed Physical Therapist in Texas & South Dakota, USA.