One Voice for Vitiligo | VIPOC | International Vitiligo NPO

About VIPOC

Vitiligo International Patient Organizations Committee (VIPOC) is the global alliance of vitiligo patient organizations, bringing together more than 50 patient organizations representing over 40 countries across the five continents. Founded in 2018 during the First International Conference of Vitiligo Patient Organizations, VIPOC has grown into an internationally recognized non-governmental organization (NGO) headquartered in Paris, France.

VIPOC’s mission is to strengthen the voice of people living with vitiligo by promoting international collaboration, patient advocacy, education, scientific research, and equitable access to high-quality care and innovative treatments.

Today, VIPOC works closely with patient organizations, dermatologists, researchers, healthcare professionals, academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and public health stakeholders to ensure that the patient perspective is integrated into research, clinical practice, and health policy worldwide.

Among its flagship initiatives, VIPOC leads the Vitiligo Patient Views (VPV) Study, the first large-scale international scientific survey exploring the lived experiences of people living with vitiligo and their caregivers. The evidence generated by this study will support scientific publications, advocacy efforts, and future health policy recommendations.

VIPOC also organizes international conferences, scientific meetings, educational webinars, and collaborative projects that foster dialogue between patients, healthcare professionals, researchers, industry partners, and policy makers.

Our vision is a world where every person living with vitiligo has access to timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, psychosocial support, and equal opportunities, free from stigma and discrimination.

Together, we transform patient voices into scientific evidence, and scientific evidence into action.

Our Vision & Mission

Vision: A world where every person living with vitiligo is respected, heard, empowered, and has equitable access to high-quality care, innovative treatments, and the opportunity to live free from stigma and discrimination.

Mission: The Vitiligo International Patient Organizations Committee (VIPOC) is the global alliance of vitiligo patient organizations, working to improve the lives of people living with vitiligo through international collaboration, patient advocacy, scientific partnerships, and evidence-based action

Our Values

Patients First

Global Collaboration

Scientific Excellence

Integrity and Independence

Equity and Inclusion

Innovation

Respect and Compassion

Our Missions

Unite the Global Vitiligo Community

We bring together patient organizations from around the world to strengthen collaboration, share best practices, and build a strong, united international voice for people living with vitiligo.

Advocate for Patients

We represent the interests of people living with vitiligo before governments, health authorities, international institutions, and other stakeholders to promote equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, care, and psychosocial support.

Support Member Organizations

We strengthen the capacity of our member organizations by encouraging knowledge exchange, leadership development, advocacy initiatives, communication strategies, and international cooperation.

Educate and Empower

We develop educational resources and communication tools to help people living with vitiligo better understand their condition, make informed decisions, and become active partners in their healthcare journey.

Promote Patient-Centred Research

VIPOC supports and initiates international research projects that integrate the perspectives and priorities of people living with vitiligo.

Our flagship initiative, the Vitiligo Patient Views (VPV) Study, is the first large-scale international scientific survey exploring the experiences of patients and caregivers worldwide.

Raise Global Awareness

VIPOC works to improve public understanding of vitiligo, challenge misconceptions and stigma, and promote inclusion and respect for everyone affected by the condition.

Foster Global Collaboration & Partnerships

We create opportunities for dialogue and cooperation between patient organizations, dermatologists, researchers, healthcare professionals, academic institutions, industry partners, and policy makers to accelerate progress in vitiligo care and research.

Influence Health Policies

Using robust scientific evidence and patient-reported outcomes, we contribute to national and international policy discussions aimed at improving standards of care and reducing inequalities in access to treatment.