WorldVitiligoMonth2025:InnovationforEverySkin
Connecting Communities through Art and Advocacy
Background
World Vitiligo Day (WVD), observed annually on June 25, aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and build supportive communities for individuals living with vitiligo. The 2025 global theme, "Innovation for Every Skin, Powered by AI," emphasizes leveraging artificial intelligence to improve diagnosis, treatment, and care for people with vitiligo, focusing on making accurate and supportive information more accessible.
In Uganda, the Vitiligo Association of Uganda (VAU) and Muundo Foundation have been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of persons living with vitiligo.
Building on the success of the 2024 "Unpacking Vitiligo" event in Kampala, which was supported by the British Council, Muundo Foundation and the Vitiligo Association of Uganda (VAU) are partnering once again in 2025 to expand their reach beyond the capital to impact underserved communities through creativity and advocacy.
Recognizing the need to extend awareness beyond urban centers, this initiative aims to bridge communities in Kampala and Rukungiri, Western Uganda through art, storytelling, and education. By fostering connections between urban and rural populations, we seek to promote understanding, acceptance, and support for those affected by vitiligo.
Uganda's Theme 2025
"Innovation for Every Skin; Connecting Communities through Art and Advocacy"
This theme aligns with the global WVD 2025 theme and reflects the collaborative efforts of Muundo Foundation and VAU to use innovative approaches, including art and technology, to raise awareness and foster acceptance of vitiligo in both urban and rural communities.
Objectives
Raise awareness
Educate the public about vitiligo, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options to reduce stigma and promote understanding.
Promote acceptance
Foster empathy and inclusivity for individuals affected by vitiligo through storytelling, art, advocacy and community engagement.
Encourage innovation
Leverage art and technology to create platforms for expression and dialogue around vitiligo.
Expand reach
Extend advocacy efforts beyond Kampala to impact underserved communities, starting with Rukungiri District.
Strengthen partnerships
Collaborate with organizations like the British Council to support initiatives that align with their goals in arts, education, and society.
Event Details
Artistic Event - Kampala
Date: June 21, 2025 (Father's Day)
Venue: Xenson Art Space
Organized by: Muundo Foundation in partnership with VAU
Activities:
- Painting sessions (approx. 50 participants)
- Interactive discussions on vitiligo impact
- Media coverage and documentation
All artworks and stories collected and documented in this session, were exhibited in Rukungiri, as a form of inclusive participation of individuals who will not be able to travel with us to Western Uganda.
World Vitiligo Day Celebration - Rukungiri
Date: June 25, 2025
Venue: Rukungiri District, Western Uganda
The national activation in Rukungiri featured community-led advocacy including health talks, personal testimonies, and a traveling exhibition of artworks created in Kampala.
Expected Outcomes
Through these activations, we achieved cross-regional engagement, bolstered local networks, and centered authentic narratives of vitiligo through public art and shared presence.
Conclusion
This collaborative initiative aims to leverage art and advocacy to raise awareness and promote acceptance of vitiligo in Uganda. By aligning with the global theme of World Vitiligo Day 2025 and with the support of the British Council, this project seeks to create a lasting impact on communities through creativity, education, and inclusivity.
Visual Documentation
Kampala & General
Rukungiri National Celebration