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AGENTS OF CHANGE
Be an Agent of Change
The 'Agents of Change' AD Challenge is a global grants initiative seeking community-driven ideas that help solve some of the greatest challenges impacting those living with atopic dermatitis (AD).
Help us #ChangeAD
The 'Agents of Change' AD Challenge
Each year, a new 'Agents of Change' AD Challenge is launched on World Atopic Dermatitis Day (14 September) aiming to tackle a specific issue faced by the AD community by harnessing the power of collaboration, working hand-in-hand with innovators and non-profits to enable tangible change.
The 'Agents of Change' AD Challenge has received 155 contributions from 36 countries since its inception, helping fund 16 new projects around the world.
As a result, non-profit organisations have been able to make an even greater difference in the lives of people with AD in their local communities.
"Sometimes what you feel or what you are going through is the same as many others. They all may need support. We are stronger together."
Day by Day Chronic (CDD), Brazil (2020 Grant Recipient)
How it works
Ideas are reviewed by a panel of experts made up of global leaders from the AD community, as well as representatives from Sanofi and Regeneron.
A select number are chosen each year to receive a grant of up to $10,000 each to bring their idea to life.
Our panel of experts:
Navdeep Gosal
Developer of "Eczema Tracker", a free app-based solution to help patients track and manage symptoms, and the mother of a child living with AD.
Africa Luca de Tena Smith
Director of Communication for the Association of People Affected by Atopic Dermatitis in Spain and living with severe AD herself.
Tammi Shipowick
Programs Director at the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organisations, also known as GlobalSkin.
This initiative represents just one part of our continued commitment to addressing the unmet needs of the global AD community and empowering people impacted by AD to demand more from their care.
We believe we can all be Agents of Change in helping people living with AD around the world tackle some of their greatest challenges.
2021 Challenge Theme:
Helping reduce the impact of AD on family life.
When a child has AD, they're not the only ones impacted. Caregivers and family members face constant difficulties as well. From daily tasks, like getting the child dressed and organising activities, to long-term burdens, like sleeplessness and psychological stress, families with AD experience many challenges.1,2
It's clear families with AD need more support and now is the time to act. That's why the 2021 'Agents of Change' AD Challenge was focused on helping reduce the impact of AD on family life.
2021 Grant Recipients:
Changing the narrative of children with AD
By Partnership Coalition of Patients Organisations with Chronic Disease, Romania
A theatre play, highlighting stories of children living with AD and their struggles to raise awareness of the disease and help reduce discrimination in schools.
Helping Hands
By Shulamit Burstein in partnership with The Israeli Association for Atopic Dermatitis, Israel
Offering a pool of trained and motivated volunteers to help families with AD, giving attention to the child living with AD and caregivers a moment of relief.
A children's book to empower pediatric patients
By Living with Allergy Association, Turkey
A children's book for newly diagnosed patients, their caregivers, siblings and friends, that helps them understand the seriousness of AD.
Eczema Group Hug
By Global Parents for Eczema Research, U.S.
An online marketplace connecting families living with AD to nannies/babysitters with experience and training in caring for AD patients.
The Atopic Dermatitis Caregivers Academy
By GAAPP, Austria
A series of multi-language videos to educate caregivers and family members who face an AD diagnosis.
"We need our community to understand the impact of AD and join us in providing support and understanding."
Eczema SUPPORT Australia, Australia (2019 Grant Recipient)
Previous Challenges
2020 Challenge Theme:
Helping people navigate the daily unpredictability of AD and enabling others to better understand the realities they face.
2020 Grant Recipients:
AD Diary
By Društvo Atopijski Dermatitis, Slovenia
Encouraging people living with AD to write about their experience in an online diary, and organising a support group for participants to meet virtually to share what they've written.
Making School Life Easier and More Inclusive
By Eczema Outreach Support, UK
Offering children and adolescents with eczema the chance to meet their potential at school through a package of support and training, helping build their communication, confidence, and self-management skills.
AD is Uncertain. So is Life.
By Day by Day Chronic (CDD), Brazil
An AD awareness content hub that gathers patients testimonials in video and photo form to promote understanding and exchange experiences with peers.
Radio Program for Teens
By The French Eczema Association, France
A radio broadcast in which teens discuss their personal experience living with AD and get answers and recommendations from dermatologists.
Elewa Health
By Elewa Health, Tanzania
Training a group of village health teams to facilitate workshops centered on AD and its associated challenges for patients, family members, and caregivers.
#SkinSoldiers
By The Eczema Association of Australasia Inc, Australia
A social media campaign to raise awareness about people living with AD, and the debilitating effect that the condition can have on their mental health.
2019 Challenge Theme:
Addressing bullying or stigma experienced by people living with AD.
2019 Grant Recipients:
Art and literacy contest focused on 'My Skin My Pain'
By Atopika, Slovenia
An international art competition inviting children, teenagers and adults with AD, as well as those who have bullied someone with AD, to submit a piece of artwork that brings to life their disease.
Sharing AD 'Life Stories' to raise awareness
By Eczema SUPPORT Australia, Australia
Promoting understanding of those living with and impacted by AD through the creation of a “Life Stories” video series, depicting the experience of adolescents with AD.
Youth-Led Education and Awareness Campaign
By Global Parents for Eczema Research, U.S.
To tackle the bullying experienced by people living with AD, GPER proposed to launch an AD awareness campaign on popular teen communication platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, and other social media.
Early Screening of Children with Atopic Dermatitis and Interventions
By JAMII LIGHT UP, Tanzania
Introducing screening for children with AD in existing immunization clinics in local communities to ensure appropriate training and support is offered to families impacted by the skin disease.
Anti-Bullying Ambassadors as Agents of Change
By The Diana Award, UK
Identifying and training a young person with AD to become an “Anti-Bullying Ambassador” and deliver anti-bullying training in up to 10 selected schools.
Understanding AD
If you want to feel confident in understanding the signs, symptoms and underlying causes of AD, we've got the information you need.
Go to Understanding AD
Managing AD
Feeling like you've tried everything to manage your AD? Don't lose hope. We've got the tips, tools and information you need to get closer to control.
Go to Managing ADReferences
Zuberbier T, Orlow S and Paller A. Patient perspectives on the management of atopic dermatitis, J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2006;118(1):226-232.
Barbarot Sebastien, et al. 2020. The Family Impact of Atopic Dermatitis (AD) in Children Aged 6–11 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study in the United States (US), Canada, Europe, and Japan. American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting. Denver, CO, USA. March 20 24, 2020. Poster Abstract ID: 15021.