World Vitiligo Day is an annual event observed on June 25th to raise awareness about vitiligo, provide support to individuals living with the condition, and promote research for effective treatments. The day was established in 2011 and has since gained global recognition, bringing together vitiligo patients, healthcare professionals, and organizations to advocate for better understanding and acceptance. 12 years down the line, World Vitiligo Day continues to provide an opportunity for:
- Raising Awareness (to increase public awareness about vitiligo, debunk myths surrounding the condition, and educate people about its causes, symptoms, and available treatments)
- Encouraging Acceptance (the day promotes inclusivity and acceptance of individuals with vitiligo, encouraging society to embrace diversity and combat stigma and discrimination)
- Supporting Research (to supports research initiatives to find better treatments, improve quality of life for patients, and ultimately seek a cure for vitiligo)
- Providing Support (the day serves as a platform for individuals with vitiligo to connect, share experiences, and access support from patient advocacy groups and healthcare professionals)
Know More About World Vitiligo Day 2023
Each year, World Vitiligo Day (WVD) is officially hosted by a different country. In 2023, it was the turn of Mexico (the leadership of Prof. Dr. Med. Jorge Ocampo Candiani) to act as campaign headquarters for all World Vitiligo Day activities. This year the global WVD headquarters has been shifted to Almaty, Kazakhstan. All WVD 2022 activities will be conducted with with Dr. Aliya Kassymkhanova as the honorary president.
On June 23-26, the Vitiligo International Patient Organizations Committee will organize an event for the European community in Brussels, Belgium. At the same time, on June 23rd, Atlanta, Georgia, will host a similar event for the United States, led by VITFriends in Boston, MA, the Global Vitiligo Foundation in Detroit, MI, and other vitiligo support groups. The Vitiligo Society in the UK has also announced the World Vitiligo Day 2023 Celebration on June 25th at 6:30 pm. This virtual event, following last year’s success, will feature a fantastic lineup of inspirational and informative guest speakers.
The Mexican Vitiligo Foundation has also planned a series of events on June 25th in four cities across Mexico. These cities are Mexico City, Chihuahua, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. Each event will feature informative sessions specifically designed for patients, providing them with valuable information about vitiligo and its management. In addition to the informative sessions, there will also be a special presentation of the photograph exposition titled “Vitiligo: a skin of colors.” This exhibition aims to showcase the beauty and diversity of individuals with vitiligo, challenging societal norms and promoting acceptance and inclusivity.