Two World Health Organization collaborating centres in Brazil have played a central role in strengthening efforts to detect and control leprosy and other skin-related neglected tropical diseases across the Americas, contributing technical expertise to the implementation of the Global Leprosy Strategy 2021–2030.

The collaboration involves the Instituto Lauro de Souza Lima and the Fundação Hospitalar Alfredo da Matta, both recognized by WHO for their specialized work in leprosy and dermatological neglected tropical diseases. Their support has focused on improving diagnosis, laboratory confirmation and case management of diseases including leprosy, cutaneous leishmaniasis and sporotrichosis, alongside other dermatological conditions of public health importance.

According to WHO, the two institutions provided highly specialized clinical and laboratory expertise through subregional and national trainings, workshops and dermatological campaigns aimed at strengthening frontline health systems. Physicians, laboratory technicians and other health personnel participated in practical, case-based training designed to improve early detection and diagnostic accuracy.

The centres introduced updated diagnostic algorithms, laboratory protocols and hands-on mentoring during field activities, helping countries improve referral systems between primary care services and specialist centres. WHO said this contributed to earlier detection, shorter diagnostic delays and stronger continuity of care for affected patients.

The work forms part of WHO’s broader Global Leprosy Strategy 2021–2030, which aims to accelerate progress toward zero leprosy, reduce disability caused by delayed diagnosis and interrupt transmission through earlier case identification and stronger surveillance systems.WHO said its own role focused on strategic coordination, ensuring that technical activities aligned with regional and global health frameworks.

The agency used its convening authority to mobilize ministries of health and partners while integrating the work into wider neglected tropical disease and communicable disease elimination strategies.It also oversaw systematic monitoring and documentation to ensure activities remained consistent with WHO standards and reporting mechanisms.

The organization described the arrangement as a combination of normative leadership and operational expertise, allowing field implementation to move beyond policy planning into practical delivery.“The centres’ technical capacity at country level accelerated progress toward elimination targets and strengthened credibility and responsiveness to national requests,” WHO said in its March 27 feature report.

WHO noted that while coordination could have been managed independently, implementation would have been significantly more limited without the specialized expertise of the collaborating centres, and much of the work would have remained theoretical rather than operationally effective.

A major lesson from the programme was the effectiveness of integrated skin screenings, where multiple dermatological conditions are assessed through a single clinical approach rather than disease-specific interventions.WHO said combining screenings for leprosy, cutaneous leishmaniasis, sporotrichosis and other skin-related neglected tropical diseases reduced stigma for patients and improved service uptake, particularly in vulnerable communities where fear of diagnosis often delays treatment.

The approach also strengthened the broader strategy of using skin examination as an entry point for neglected tropical disease control, allowing healthcare workers to identify multiple conditions through a unified platform.Through a series of national and subregional workshops and campaigns, countries across the Region of the Americas were able to reinforce diagnostic capacity and improve laboratory confirmation of suspected cases.

WHO said these activities helped standardize training materials in line with its global guidelines while increasing awareness among frontline workers about integrated management approaches.The collaborating centres also supported the development of stronger regional networks among clinicians and laboratory professionals, helping create a more coordinated technical community across borders.

This regional harmonization was seen as particularly important for countries with limited specialist capacity, where access to standardized protocols and technical cooperation can directly influence case outcomes.The programme’s outcomes align with the broader targets of the WHO Neglected Tropical Disease Road Map, which seeks to reduce the burden of neglected diseases through prevention, early diagnosis and integrated service delivery.

WHO said the collaboration directly supported programme objectives by accelerating early detection and contributing to interruption of transmission, moving countries closer to elimination milestones.Leprosy remains a public health concern in several parts of the Americas despite significant reductions in prevalence over recent decades.

According to WHO’s January 2026 leprosy fact sheet, continued delays in diagnosis remain one of the major barriers to elimination, particularly where health systems lack specialized diagnostic capacity.Cutaneous leishmaniasis and sporotrichosis also continue to present challenges in endemic areas, particularly among vulnerable populations with limited access to specialist dermatological care.

WHO said the collaboration offers further opportunities for expansion, particularly by extending integrated skin neglected tropical disease approaches to additional countries and developing multilingual regional training curricula through digital platforms.

There is also scope to deepen operational research on early detection strategies and strengthen laboratory networks across the region, particularly in underserved settings where diagnosis remains inconsistent.The organization said the experience in Brazil demonstrates how combining global strategy with country-level technical expertise can improve implementation and strengthen health systems beyond individual disease programmes.

By linking specialized dermatological knowledge with WHO’s policy coordination role, the partnership has become a model for how collaborating centres can support disease elimination efforts while building sustainable regional capacity.

The students aimed to encourage residents to engage with reliable medical information and understand the importance of lifestyle choices and timely tests in lowering long-term cancer risks.

The initiative was led by the Oncology Interest Group, a student-driven organization committed to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and community needs through outreach programs and health-focused discussions.

Organizers said the event was structured to simplify complex medical topics, making cancer awareness approachable for people of all ages and backgrounds across Riyadh.

One of the event’s coordinators, medical student Inaam Haque, said the team wanted to create an environment where the public could learn directly from students and interact openly about concerns related to cancer types and risk factors.

He explained that many people underestimate the relevance of cancer because it is not always visible in early stages, but awareness remains essential since the disease can affect anyone at any point in life.

Group director Malek Handoumeh emphasized the importance of empowering the community with practical and accurate information that could contribute to real improvements in long-term health outcomes.

He said early detection continues to be one of the most effective tools in reducing cancer-related mortality, and educating the public on this aspect can have a significant impact over time.

During the event, visitors participated in multiple interactive booths staffed by students who shared data on common cancers affecting men and women, along with prevention strategies and lifestyle recommendations.

Participants also explored visual displays, received reading materials, and took part in discussions centered on screening guidelines and risk-reducing habits suitable for different age groups.

The educational sessions highlighted trends seen within Saudi Arabia, where certain cancers remain consistently more common among specific groups.

Women in the Kingdom often face higher rates of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers, while men more frequently encounter lung cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and colorectal cancer.

Haque noted that while some cancer types vary in origin or risk level, many prevention strategies align, beginning with a commitment to healthier daily practices.

He stressed the importance of routine physical activity, balanced nutrition, and proactive lifestyle management to reduce overall vulnerability to multiple diseases.

Smoking was addressed as one of the strongest and most preventable risk factors, with organizers reinforcing that tobacco exposure contributes not only to lung cancer but also to several other forms of the disease.

The students encouraged visitors to consider quitting or reducing smoking habits, emphasizing how even small changes can lead to long-term benefits.

The event served as an example of how student-led initiatives can contribute to broader public health goals by making specialized knowledge more accessible and engaging.

Organizers said they hope to expand the program in future semesters and continue developing community-based health education efforts across different parts of Riyadh.

The initiative also highlighted the growing role of universities in promoting wellness, as students increasingly take part in outreach projects that encourage preventive care and informed decision-making.

By presenting medical information through interactive formats, the Oncology Interest Group aims to create long-term awareness patterns that motivate residents to prioritize screenings and healthy choices.

Through these efforts, the students demonstrated how academic communities can support national health objectives by fostering conversations that build understanding, encourage openness, and allow individuals to better recognize symptoms and risk factors.

The event ultimately reflected a broader commitment to improving public well-being through education, engagement, and continuous cooperation between students and local residents.

Central to the programme was the launch of the Youth Council for Breast Health (YCBH), a student-driven initiative designed to empower young women across Uttarakhand with practical knowledge about breast health. With a bold five-year vision, the council plans to engage at least 25,500 women across 11 universities, emphasizing early detection, preventative strategies, and long-term awareness.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Niharika Verma of HIMS, SRHU, Jolly Grant, and Dr. Prasuna Jelly from AIIMS Rishikesh, shared expert insights into breast health, covering topics from self-examinations to lifestyle interventions and the latest medical research on early detection. Their presentations were met with keen interest, as students actively participated in extended Q&A sessions, reflecting a growing commitment among the youth to take charge of their health.

Adding a unique perspective on community service and leadership, Colonel Mayank Chaubey, a retired Indian Army officer, highlighted the importance of discipline, awareness, and proactive action in addressing health challenges. He encouraged students to approach breast health with the same focus and dedication often associated with military service, emphasizing that prevention and education are as critical as treatment.

Highlighting the university’s support, Prof. Surekha Dangwal, Vice-Chancellor of Doon University, praised the foundation’s efforts, stating, “This initiative reflects a commitment to not just education but also the wellbeing of our students. By integrating health awareness into university life, we are fostering a culture of proactive care that can save lives.”

Organisers underscored that the programme is more than a one-time awareness drive. It is a strategic call to action aimed at reducing late-stage diagnoses of breast cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of mortality among young women in India and worldwide. Through mentorship, peer-led campaigns, and partnerships with medical institutions, YCBH intends to build a sustainable network of informed advocates capable of influencing their communities positively.

Participants described the programme as both empowering and transformative. “Understanding breast health at this stage of life is crucial,” said Ananya Sharma, a second-year student at Doon University. “This initiative motivates us to take responsibility not just for ourselves but also to spread awareness among our peers and families.”

The collaboration between BCYWF and Uttarakhand universities reflects a growing trend of global partnerships in health education. By combining international expertise with local engagement, the programme demonstrates how cross-border initiatives can address pressing health challenges while nurturing the next generation of informed leaders.

As the Youth Council for Breast Health gears up for its statewide rollout, the initiative sets a benchmark for student-led, socially impactful programs. Its vision aligns with a broader global movement to equip young women with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to confront breast cancer proactively, ultimately improving outcomes and saving lives for years to come.

The initiative—part of a five-year, state-wide campaign—seeks to reach 25,500 young women across 11 universities in Uttarakhand with lifesaving education on early detection and risk reduction. The programme at Doon University will bring together medical experts, public health advocates, and students in an interactive, data-driven effort to change the trajectory of breast cancer outcomes in India.

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. In India, one in 28 women will develop the disease in their lifetime—rising to one in 22 in urban areas—and younger women are increasingly at risk.

Globally, experts warn that cultural myths, delayed detection, and inadequate screening continue to drive mortality rates.

The Doon University campaign seeks to close these gaps by challenging the misconception that breast cancer is solely an “older woman’s disease,” promoting self-examination and timely medical consultation, and equipping students with multilingual resources to extend awareness within their communities.

Event Highlights – 13 August 2025

The event on 13 August 2025 will open at 10:00 am with an address by the Vice Chancellor of Doon University, followed by an expert-led interactive session with Col. Mayank Chaubey and a team of doctors from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

The programme will also see the launch of the Doon University Youth Council for Breast Health, the distribution of self-examination guides in multiple languages, and a live question-and-answer session with healthcare professionals.

Concluding the morning, Dr. Rajesh Bhatt will present a psychological perspective on well-being from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

This initiative builds on the momentum of the campaign’s first event, held on 18 July 2025 at Military Hospital Dehradun, where young women from the cantonment turned out in large numbers, surpassing expectations and engaging in lively, insightful discussions.

A Model for International Outreach

The BCYW Foundation’s Uttarakhand model is drawing attention from health advocacy groups worldwide as a promising and replicable blueprint for community-led, youth-focused cancer prevention. Its approach—embedding health literacy into academic environments—ensures that awareness begins early, within trusted spaces of learning. By combining medical expertise with student-driven outreach, the initiative not only addresses immediate knowledge gaps but also fosters a generation of informed health advocates.

This strategy aligns closely with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global objectives for early detection, lifestyle-based prevention, and equitable access to information. International observers view it as a case study in how local initiatives, when well-structured, can resonate beyond national borders.

At a time when global cancer rates are climbing and younger demographics are increasingly affected, the upcoming Doon University event highlights the urgency of merging public health diplomacy with grassroots engagement. It transforms university campuses into hubs of wellness activism—places where education, prevention, and empowerment intersect to create lasting change, both locally and globally.