News
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WSP publication in The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific
We would like to highlight a recent publication in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific, led by our colleague Dr. Rebecca Anderson.
This study shares the results of the first national scabies prevalence survey in Kiribati, a collaboration between WSP and Kiribati Ministry of Health and Medical Services, conducted in late 2023.
The findings show very high scabies prevalence, with:
- 24.9% national prevalence
- 47.2% prevalence in infants under 1 year of age
These results directly informed the national mass drug administration (MDA) for scabies currently underway in Kiribati — delivered in partnership with the trachoma MDA and in collaboration with Kiribati Ministry of Health and Medical Services and The Fred Hollows Foundation.
Read the full paper here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666606525001737?ref=cra_js_challenge&fr=RR-1
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MDA Officer Johnina gets interviewed about her time in Kiribati
In this video, Johnina shares her reflections from three months in-country — from exchanging knowledge and learning new ways of working with communities, to building strong cross-country collaboration. Her experience is a great example of the power of regional teamwork in eliminating scabies!We are very grateful to the WSP Kiribati team for warmly welcoming and supporting Johnina throughout her time in-country.And a big thank you to Johnina and the WSP Solomon Islands team for generously sharing their experience and expertise in scabies control with the wider Pacific region — especially after successfully delivering two national MDAs at home. -
Fiji celebrates World Skin Day 2025
This week The Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services held its first ever national celebration for World Skin Health Day at Tamavua Twomey Hospital. WSP are very excited to have been able to support this event and promote #NoHealthWithoutSkinHealth for #WorldSkinHealthDay2025!
Please see the Ministry of Health & Medical Services - Fiji Facebook post below:
The Ministry of Health & Medical Services commemorated Fiji’s first ever national celebration of World Skin Health Day 2025 at Tamavua Twomey Hospital this morning.Assistant Minister for Health & Medical Services, Hon. Penioni Ravunawa officiated at this symbolic event stating that it is a significant step forward in recognizing skin health as an important national health agenda."Today, we join countries around the world to mark this important day, with a powerful theme, that there is: “No Health Without Skin Health.” He added that our skin is not just our body’s largest organ. It is a vital barrier, a frontline defense, and a reflection of our internal health and wellbeing. "Yet, for too long, skin diseases have been neglected in the global health dialogue, seen by many as merecosmetic or non-life threatening."Hon. Ravunawa stated that the narrative is changing and he is proud to announce that Fiji is part of that change. -
World Skin Health Day 2025
Tuesday, 8 July 2025
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Rose Hall, Tamavua Twomey HospitalUnder the global theme “No Health Without Skin Health,” this event will spotlight the incredible work Fiji has undertaken to fight scabies, a neglected but preventable disease.Since 2017, with the support of the WSP, Fiji has made significant progress in controlling scabies through mass drug administration (MDA), community awareness, and health system strengthening. This celebration also marks an important step in the transition of the WSP into national leadership within the Ministry of Health, ensuring long-term impact for all Fijians.We thank all our global partners including Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for supporting Fiji’s journey toward a scabies-free future. -
MCRI hosted WSP Solomon Islands team members in Melbourne
Recently, the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) hosted two WSP Solomon Islands team members in Melbourne.
Country Manager Julie was in both Sydney and Melbourne as part of her qualitative scabies study in April, and Senior Finance and Administration Officer Jeremiah visited in June to undertake some training with the finance team at MCRI.The WSP Melbourne team were very excited to host them at MCRI, and it was a great opportunity to build skills and strengthen our partnership! -
Te Toa Matoa Community MDA dosing event
The World Scabies Program would like to thank Te Toa Matoa for partnering with us, Ministry Of Health & Medical Services-Kiribati and The Fred Hollows Foundation to organise a scabies and trachoma mass drug administration (MDA) community dosing event in April. Te Toa Matoa is the I-Kiribati Organisation for People with Disabilities and is led, directed, and governed by people with disabilities. The event was was attend by over 50 Te Toa Matoa members, friends and family members. Information on the MDA was provided for community awareness and the members participated in the safe and effective dosing of the medication.
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Kiribati Parliament event to launch the integrated scabies and trachoma MDA
Earlier this year, WSP co-facilitated a workshop at the Kiribati Parliament to launch the integrated scabies and trachoma MDA. The workshop was held for parliamentarians to show how they can support the integrated MDA and tackle communicable diseases in Kiribati. It was an honour to be able to speak to all of the attendees about the prevalence of scabies in Kiribati, provide information on the MDA and a demonstration of the dosing.
Thank you to all of the parliamentarians, Ministry Of Health & Medical Services-Kiribati, Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), The Fred Hollows Foundation, Global Health Channel by GLIDE, and the health partners who attended the event and supported the MDA in Kiribati! -
Post-MDA prevalence survey complete in Solomon Islands
WSP, in collaboration with the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services, has successfully completed a nationwide scabies prevalence survey. This comprehensive survey assessed over 9,000 individuals across all provinces, providing critical data on the current burden of scabies following two rounds of mass drug administration (MDA).The survey's completion marks a significant milestone in Solomon Islands' efforts to control scabies. The data collected will inform future strategies and interventions aimed at controlling this neglected tropical disease.We extend our immense gratitude to the dedicated survey teams and the communities who participated, making this achievement possible! -
WHO resolution: Skin Diseases Recognised as a Global Public Health Priority
We are thrilled to share that the World Health Assembly has unanimously adopted a landmark resolution, officially recognising skin diseases—including scabies—as a global public health priority. This pivotal decision marks a significant step forward in addressing the widespread impact of skin conditions worldwide.
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