Unlike last year, World Vitiligo Day 2018 got better media coverage and saw many famous faces pledging to spread global awareness about vitiligo, to ensure that no one is discriminated for their skin condition. Particularly in India, the world vitiligo day celebrated many ‘firsts.’ Several conferences and events around the world reiterated the fact that vitiligo is not at all contagious and hence people with vitiligo need not to be isolated.
We hope what started this world vitiligo day would spark conversations about the chronic skin condition, which seems to be missing from public platforms. Here’s a round up of progress made this year:
Asia
It was the first time when a celebrity in India made a video which aimed at creating awareness about vitiligo. Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain fame actress, Saumya Tandon had a special message on World Vitiligo Day. In a 60-second video, she said two colors on one person is beautiful and is not contagious. The actress has a distant cousin who is living with vitiligo.
Spread the word, spread love this #WorldVitiligoDay . Two colours on one skin beautiful too. pic.twitter.com/yne7OyIsVx
— Saumya Tandon (@saumyatandon) June 25, 2018
Famous basketball player from Philipines, Isaac Go revealed his vitiligo for the first time. On the occasion of the World Vitiligo Day 2018, Isaac announced that he’s part of the very small percentage of people who have vitiligo.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkcxH7Klewt/?utm_source=ig_embed
Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of the Indian state of West Bengal took to Twitter to spread awareness on vitiligo. Probably for the first time in India, a political figure talked about the chronic skin disorder.
On World Vitiligo Day, let us pledge to spread global awareness about vitiligo and ensure no one is discriminated against for their skin condition
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 25, 2018
Ministry Of Medical Education, Government Of Uttarakhand (India) invested in an awareness program, which was held in the Doon Medical College (Dehradun). Faculty members, nursing staff, medical students and over 50 vitiligo fighters participated in the event.
Sharda University (Greater Noida, India) too celebrated World Vitiligo Day to break various myths regarding Vitiligo and the social stigma being attached to the people living with the chronic skin disorder.
Americas
Detroit was the host location for the United States on World Vitiligo Day (WVD) 2018. Doctors John Harris and Iltefat Hanzavi joined vitiligo fighters at the conference. Lori Glenn-Harris and Lee Thomas discussed and importance of continued vitiligo research at the event. Last year, vitiligo organizations across the States met in Washington, D.C. for the first national celebration of the event.
Another WVD conference was held in Worcester, Massachusetts. The conference was hosted by Valarie Molyneaux, CEO of VITFriends and Dr. John Harris. With 315 people in attendance and LIVE interaction with vitiligo fighter from Morocco, China, South Africa and India. The conference announced its next location – Houston, Texas.
Brazilian Muralist, Alexandre Keto shared his art on Instagram to empower women with vitiligo and helped the world see beauty in different lights. He drew inspiration for his latest mural from a local teen with vitiligo. Roberta.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkc8Umbhkwo/?utm_source=ig_embed
Africa
Oageng Batenegi, a youthful Radio Jockey At Duma FM hosted a vitiligo awareness workshop at Oasis Motel in Tlokweng (Botswana). The workshop created a social dialogue to clear common vitiligo myths and misconceptions. It focused on legislation, stigmatization, increasing awareness and access to health care.
Waterfall Hospital in Midrand (South Africa) too hosted a World Vitiligo Day event. Dermatologist Dr. Lushen Pillay was one of the guest speakers at the event.
Europe
Ninu Galot, a British Entrepreneur and Fitness Model, released a short video, which highlighted the stigma attached to vitiligo. The video also featured Gautam Singhania, an Indian textile tycoon who debunked some common myths associated with the chronic disorder. Singhania is the chairman and managing director of Raymond Group.
First things first about #Vitiligo– No, it's not contagious! Here are some of us talking about our lives with #Vitiligo and how YOU can help change the stigma around it. pic.twitter.com/L9XrnuBM7g
— Gautam Singhania (@SinghaniaGautam) June 25, 2018
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