Aligarh: The Department of Amraze Jild-wa-Zohrawiya, Faculty of Unani Medicine, Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College (AKTC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), marked World Vitiligo Day 2025 with a comprehensive awareness programme aimed at educating the public, combating stigma, and promoting both scientific and traditional approaches to vitiligo care.
Globally observed on June 25 to commemorate the legendary artist Michael Jackson, who battled vitiligo, the day serves as a powerful platform to raise awareness about the psychological and social challenges faced by those living with this condition.
This year’s theme, “Healing Lives with Artificial Intelligence: Achieving Precision in Vitiligo Care”, with the slogan “My Skin, My Identity – Empower, Educate, Embrace,” emphasised the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in dermatology – especially in enhancing diagnostic accuracy, tracking disease progression, and personalising treatment – while also reaffirming the continued relevance of holistic Unani medical practices.
Dr. Hafsa Tariq, MD Scholar delivered an insightful presentation on the pathophysiology of vitiligo and highlighted how AI is poised to revolutionise vitiligo management. She also brought attention to the emotional toll of the disease, calling for more empathy and societal support.
Complementing the modern perspective, Dr. Monis, another MD Scholar, elaborated on the Unani approach to treating vitiligo, citing classical texts and detailing the use of herbal formulations, Ilaj bil Ghiza (dietotherapy), and Ilaj bil Tadbeer (regimental therapy) as time-tested interventions in restoring skin health and balancing bodily humours.
Presiding over the event, Dr. Mohammad Mohsin, Chairman of the Department, highlighted the need for an integrative model that blends traditional Unani wisdom with cutting-edge technologies for holistic and destigmatised vitiligo care. Dr. Nawalur Rehman Khan also addressed the gathering, advocating for stronger interdisciplinary collaboration.
The programme concluded with interactive sessions featuring patients, scholars, and clinicians. Emotional testimonials by patients served as a poignant reminder of the human side of this medical condition. The department reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing research, compassionate patient care, and community outreach to promote awareness and acceptance of vitiligo.
