June 2025 marked a pivotal moment for VIPOC, the global network of vitiligo patient organizations, as the Board of Directors elected a new Executive Board to lead the charge in the years ahead. This change signals a renewed commitment to deeper global representation, stronger advocacy, and building a united front in the fight for better care, research, and visibility for people living with vitiligo.
The New Executive Board
At the board meeting held on June 7, 2025, 15 Board Members representing vitiligo patient organisations from across the globe voted in the following new leaders:
- President: Mr. Jean-Marie Meurant (France)
- Vice President for Africa: Mr. Freddy Banza (Belgium)
- Vice President for Asia: Ms. Maya Tulpule (India)
- Vice President for Europe: Mr. Paul Monteiro (Netherlands)
- Vice President for North America: Ms. Alisha Archibald (USA)
- Vice President for Latin America: Ms. Karen Ferez (Mexico)
- Secretary General: Mr. Stephen Taylor (USA)
- Vice General Secretary: Ms. Sharon King (USA)
- Treasurer: Ms. Abbie Hurrell (UK)
- Vice Treasurer: Mr. Georg Pliszewski (Germany)
Continued Dedication from the Full Board
In addition to the executive board, VIPOC’s remaining board members continue to play a key role in operational projects:
- Justin Hall (USA)
- Vivian Najjuka (Uganda)
- Ashoka Nilminiliyanage (Sri Lanka)
- Omar Sharife (Canada)
- Gerline Isaac (Saint Martin)
All these leaders bring decades of experience, diverse regional perspectives, and a shared passion for advancing the rights, care, and quality of life of vitiligo patients worldwide.
Together, these dedicated individuals form the backbone of VIPOC’s advocacy machine, ensuring that initiatives remain patient-driven, regionally responsive, and future-focused.
A Global Vision for Advocacy
The newly elected board is more than a leadership change, it represents VIPOC’s commitment to expanding its global advocacy impact. From Latin America to Africa, Europe to Asia, every corner of the vitiligo community now has a voice at the table.
This team will spearhead upcoming initiatives including:
- Launch of the Vitiligo Patient Views Global Study
- Hosting of regional summits and scientific meetngs
- Support and mentorship for emerging patient organizations
- Collaboration with researchers, dermatologists, and health agencies
A Message from the President
“This new organization will allow us to better represent vitiligo patients and support associations in all regions. We’re also committed to helping create new support structures where none currently exist. I thank our entire board for their unwavering commitment to this cause.”
– Jean-Marie Meurant, President of VIPOC
Looking Ahead: 2025–2026
With a strong foundation and new leadership in place, VIPOC is preparing to launch several major projects that will bring our mission closer to communities around the world. These include:
- Empowering local patient leaders
- Strengthening research through patient-led data
- Championing equitable care access
- Expanding awareness in underrepresented regions
- Stay tuned as we continue building One Voice for Vitiligo.
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