25/06/2020
World Vitiligo Day 2020
Since 2011, 25 June is celebrated as World Vitiligo Day worldwide. Since then, it has found wider observance as an event of global reach and appeal. It is believed Vitiligo occurs in approximately 1-2% of world’s population. The initial impetus for its observance came from the realization that the people living with Vitiligo were affected by social stereotypes. In communities, social stereotypes are founded on false information and the fear it propogates. People living with visible Vitiligo often endure sustained period of reduced self confidence and social ostracization.
In Nepal we have been celebrating World Vitiligo Day since 2018. This journey reached its purpose by listening empathetically to a large number of untold stories of people living with Vitiligo. In the medical world, this has been achieved through outreach and increasing access of professional medical care for people living with Vitiligo. Through this sustained approach we are able to set realisitic expectations while making ourselves available to the people affected through careful adminstering of evidence based treatment on an individual or community basis.
This year our observance has been adversely impacted by global Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic. As most of us choose social distancing, whilst some of us are still in a partial lockdown situation, over public gathering and meet ups, we continue to remain united in our resolve to raise awareness on Vitiligo in communities we live and serve. Locally, our plans for this year’s observance has been called off. However, our collective effort since 2018 to raise general awareness on Vitiligo must not suffer a setback.
I urge everyone to be more mindful and forthcoming on issues surrounding Vitiligo. I strongly believe our efforts to continue building awareness on Vitiligo will live to see attain greater commanding heights in the years ahead. Lastly, I express profound gratitude to each of you, including my patients, for demonstrating resolve and commitment to fight stereotypes surrounding Vitiligo.
#मायाकोरङ्सेतो #सौन्दर्यमेरोआखामा