HISTORIC MILESTONE FOR THE GLOBAL ALBINISM COMMUNITY

The World Health Organisation Adds Sunscreen to Essential Medicines List

Geneva, 05 September 2025

Celebrating a Landmark Victory: WHO Recognises Sunscreen as an Essential Medicine, Strengthening the Global Fight Against Skin Cancer for People with Albinism

The World Health Organisation’s inclusion of broad-spectrum sunscreen on its Essential Medicines Lists (EML and EMLc) marks a historic step forward for the global albinism community. This milestone follows a powerful campaign and a formal application submitted in November 2024, led by the Global Albinism Alliance, alongside the UN Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of Human Rights by Persons with Albinism, the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Climate Change, and co-applicants Standing Voice, Beyond Suncare, the Pierre Fabre Foundation, the International League of Dermatological Societies, and the Africa Albinism Network.

This achievement demonstrates the power of global partnerships to advance health equity and protect the rights of people with albinism. Standing Voice is proud to have played role, alongside our partners to secure this landmark win for our community worldwide.

Read the full Press Release from the Global Albinism Alliance

Antoine Gliksohn - Executive Director Global Albinism Alliance

“The WHO’s landmark decision to classify sunscreen as an essential medicine is a game-changer for hundreds of thousands with albinism at risk of deadly skin cancer.

Driven by our community’s fierce advocacy, this victory demands urgent global action to deliver affordable sunscreen.”

Harry Freeland - Executive Director Standing Voice

“The WHO’s decision validates decades of grassroots efforts to deliver sunscreen to PWAs in underserved regions. For albinism organisations, this is a catalyst to strengthen local health systems, secure funding, and save lives by ensuring sustainable access to sun protection.”

Valerie McCormack - Deputy Branch Head International Agency for Research on Cancer

“This milestone is a clarion call for governments and health systems to prioritise the right to health for people with albinism.

Sunscreen is a cornerstone of survival for this community, reducing the risk of skin cancer, and its inclusion on the WHO Essential Medicines Lists equips albinism organisations with the authority to demand equitable access to this critical intervention.”