The 12th annual World Vitiligo Day (WVD) unfolded on June 25th in Mexico, embracing the theme "Learning to live with Vitiligo." This year's event marked a significant shift, focusing not only on raising awareness but also on enhancing education for both patients and medical professionals.

Dr. Jorge Ocampo Candiani of the Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon and Dr. Rossana Llergo Valdez of the Mexican Foundation for Dermatology (FMD) led the two-day event as Honorary President and Vice-President, respectively. Their efforts were bolstered by collaboration with prestigious institutions and guidance from leading dermatologists, including Dr. Judith Domínguez Cherit, Dr. José Alberto Ramos Garibay, Dr. Abraham Alfaro García, and Dr. Karen Férez Blando.

The event commenced on June 22nd with a press conference at the Senate of the Republic's Federalism Courtyard. Senator Antares Vázquez Alatorre advocated for improved patient care and public policies to enhance visibility and understanding of skin conditions. Dr. Llergo highlighted the progress in awareness campaigns, crediting the consistent efforts of institutions like the FMD.

Dr. Ocampo Candiani emphasized WVD's crucial role in educating patients about vitiligo, its impact on quality of life, and the availability of qualified specialists. Dr. Torello Lotti and Yan Valle from the Vitiligo Research Foundation provided valuable insights on education, patient awareness, and vitiligo's connection to other immune disorders.

Valle underscored WVD's growing global significance among Health Days and introduced the Patient Journey Map, a tool designed to guide physicians and patients through the disease and treatment options.

The main event, centered on "Learning to live with vitiligo," brought together the International Vitiligo Research Foundation, allied medical associations, and sponsors. An academic session featuring Mexican dermatologists saw Dr. Lotti discussing recent advancements in vitiligo research and treatment. Valle presented the "Living History of World Vitiligo Day" and the "Map of the Vitiligo Patient's Journey," sharing personal experiences and the origins of this significant date.

The highlight of WVD 2022 was the Patient Information Session held on June 25th at the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán. This session offered a series of talks and workshops aimed at empowering vitiligo patients. Topics ranged from vitiligo's impact on childhood and sexuality to its role in the workplace, and even included an aesthetic workshop on self-makeup.

The event concluded with a powerful photographic exhibition titled "Vitiligo: a colorful skin," celebrating the diversity and beauty of skin conditions, with patients as the focal point. This comprehensive approach to WVD 2022 in Mexico set a new standard for patient support and education in the global vitiligo community.

 

World Vitiligo Day 2022 🇲🇽 Kick-off

Watch the video from Senate here

Watch the Sceintific presentations here