These prizes reward voluntary dermatological initiatives, coming from individuals, associations or hospitals, favouring patient support and care in order to inspire confidence and encourage social inclusion.
The cosmetics giant says the awards recognise the work people do as patients with dermatological conditions may frequently face discrimination and feel socially excluded.
Financial grants, one per major geographical zone - Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East, Europe, North America, and South America - will be awarded to social projects that fall into one of the following three main categories:
- Prevention and Education: Any initiative favouring the prevention of dermatological illnesses, and education for patients, their families and the general public (including support networks and campaigns) on dermatological pathologies, dermatological conditions, impact awareness and promotion of good, or healthy behaviour.
- Improved Quality of Life and Self-Esteem: Projects favouring improvements in physical or psychological quality of life for patients, such as supporting and accompanying patients, help in accepting their condition(s), (psychological therapies) and reducing the stigma attached to their disease.
- Access to Care, Coverage and Surgery: Projects aimed at facilitating public and patient access to care such as free screenings, free consultations, travelling doctors, nurse training, make-up workshops or free reconstructive surgery.
All dermatologists are eligible to apply on their own or on behalf of an association or hospital, and an independent Scientific Committee of renowned dermatologists will evaluate each project and select the five winners.
These awards are supported by the International League of Dermatological Societies and bythe23rd World Congress of Dermatology.
The International Awards for Social Responsibility in Dermatology Ceremony will be held at the 23rd World Congress of Dermatology in Vancouver, Canada, on June 9, 2015.