International League of Dermatological Studies launches new grant to support dermatological care in underserved communities

The International League of Dermatological Studies (ILDS) has launched a new grant to support patients with skin diseases in underserved communities.

The new grant, called the DermImpact Grant, is being offered by the ILDS and the International Foundation for Dermatology. Successful applicants will receive US$20,000 over the course of two years for projects that improve dermatological care in low-resource areas.

“More than three billion people worldwide are living with a skin disease. They are a leading cause of the global disease burden and have a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected,” ILDS president Dr. Henry W. Lim said in a Sept. 2 news release.

In order to be considered, applicants must also explain how they can adapt their project in the event of restrictions or disruptions due to unexpected events, such as pandemics, natural disasters or political crises.

This new grant is being offered alongside the existing DermLink Grants program, which offers US$3,000 to $5,000 in funding for a one-year dermatological project in underserved communities. Some examples of projects supported by this grant include supporting people with albinism in rural Africa and combating skin-related neglected tropical diseases.

“Following the success of our DermLink Grants in delivering benefits through relatively small-scale, localized projects, we felt that introducing an additional program, based on collaboration between applicants and other stakeholders working in the field, would give greater reach and ensure a long-lasting and sustainable impact in the underserved communities selected,” said Dr. Lim.

Applications are open until Nov. 1, 2024 and applicants from anywhere around the world are welcome.