Joanna is director of medical-artist.com and is also studying for a PhD on the illustration of skin neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs) at the University of Surrey. She presented an academic poster with medical illustrations of skin NTDs to more than 600 global experts, partners and stakeholders at the World Health Organisation global meeting on skin NTDs from 27–31 March 2023.
On her Instagram page, Jo said: “Had the most amazing time @who Geneva for the meeting dedicated to skin NTDs. Skin neglected tropical diseases are estimated to affect more than 900 million people worldwide each year. They have long term consequences including permanent disability, physical impairment, mortality and socioeconomic problems, as well as stigmatisation and significant mental health consequences resulting in reduced quality of life. The skin is the first and most visible structure of the human body for patients and healthcare professionals alike. It is therefore an entry point for diagnosis and treatment; this characteristic is especially useful in resource-limited settings where many of those affected live. The results of the PhD I am undertaking is to provide the medical illustrations of skin NTDs for use in resource poor areas to help improve disease detection, and to help with patient communications and encourage help seeking and patient adherence (consent) behaviours.”
