I am writing to share a call for contributions on the optimal formulation characteristics of therapeutic broad-spectrum sunscreen, received from the WHO.

In 2025, broad-spectrum sunscreen was added to the WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines for skin cancer prevention in persons with albinism. However,  formulation characteristics – such as active ingredients and their concentrations, optimal SPF, UVA and UVB protection and pharmaceutical forms – could not be defined at that time. Defining these formulation characteristics in the Essential Medicines List (EML) is important to support countries in selecting optimal sunscreen formulations for inclusion on national essential medicines lists and to guide public procurement.
 
To address this gap, the WHO has issued a call for contributions on the optimal formulation characteristics of therapeutic broad-spectrum sunscreen. Input received will inform a submission for consideration by the Expert Committee in 2027.

The objective is to ensure broad and inclusive outreach and to engage scientific and clinical experts; regulatory, public health, and industry actors; and community and civil society stakeholders with relevant expertise or lived experience. 

Your expertise would be invaluable to this effort. Please feel free to circulate it within your network of individuals with relevant expertise. 

Click here to submit your contribution

Thank you very much in advance.

Yours sincerely
Lisa
Lisa Jacobs
Membership Lead

The International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) is a unique umbrella organisation for professional dermatology organisations of all sizes. With 232 Member organisations from 110 countries, ILDS represents dermatology at the highest level through ‘official relations’ status with the World Health Organisation (WHO), championing both dermatology and skin health to ensure their inclusion in global health policy. www.ilds.org