Angela Onwuzoo
As the World marks the 2024 International Albinism Awareness Day today, the Albinism Association of Nigeria has disclosed that at least two of its members die from skin cancer every month due to lack of access to care.
The association urged the Federal Government to bring back free cancer treatment to save its members from untimely death.
It noted that Nigerians need to be aware that albinos, due to their lack of melanin, the skin pigment are vulnerable to skin cancers and eye defects.
As such, they need financial support to purchase sunscreen and full-body covering clothes right from childhood.
People living with albinism are confronted by two major health conditions – visual impairment and high vulnerability to skin damage from ultraviolet rays, resulting in skin cancer
The association disclosed this while marking the day, themed, ‘10 years of IAAD: A decade of collective progress’.
This year’s theme highlights the collective efforts made over the past decade to promote understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals living with albinism.
In 2014, the United Nations declared June 13 International Albinism Awareness Day.
June 13 was selected because it was the date of the first UN resolution on albinism in 2013.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise, President of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Bisi Bamishe, said skin cancer was highly preventable when persons with albinism enjoy their health rights.
She said it was sad that albinism remains widely misunderstood, leading to discrimination, stigma, and social exclusion.
Bamishe, however, said the past decade had seen significant strides in the albinism movement, with increased awareness, advocacy, and policy changes.
The President of the association noted that all manner of discrimination against persons with albinism must stop
She said, “’ It is worth noting that much work remains to be done to address the persistent challenges faced by persons with albinism.
“These include; discrimination and stigma, leading to social isolation and marginalisation-limited representation and inclusion in the media, education, and employment.”
Bamishe maintained that continued violence and persecution, including killings and bodily harm, and lack of access to adequate healthcare, particularly in low-income countries must be addressed.
“In Nigeria for example, we lose at least two people every month to skin cancer. Skin cancer is highly preventable when persons with albinism enjoy their health rights.
“This includes access to regular skin checks, sunscreen, UV umbrella, sun protective clothing, and sunglasses.
As we mark this milestone, we acknowledge the progress made and renew our commitment to creating a society that values diversity and promotes inclusivity.
“We urge governments, international organisations, and civil society to join us in addressing the remaining gaps and ensuring the full enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism.”
She called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts in the treatment of the albinos suffering from skin cancer in the country.
Commenting on this year’s commemoration, Bamishe said this year’s commemoration was to celebrate the strides made within the albinism community, with renewed commitment for the future.
According to her, albinism is a rare, non-contagious genetically inherited difference present at birth.
Giving insight into albinism, she noted, “Albinism results in lack of pigmentation of melanin in the hair, eyes, and colour, causing vulnerability to the sun and bright light.
“In all types of albinism, both parents must carry the gene for it to be passed on, even if they don’t have albinism themselves. Almost all persons with albinism are visually impaired and are prone to developing skin cancer. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the absence of melanin. “
She commended the Federal Government for its efforts so far in supporting people with albinism, urging it to do more.
“We want to express our appreciation to the Federal and state government as well as development partners, most especially Disability Rights Fund and Sightsavers, for their tremendous support to the albinism community in Nigeria.
“There is more work to be done. By spreading awareness about albinism, we can help to make the world a better place for those affected by this condition.
“We can help them to feel more supported and accepted, and we can help to raise awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion”, Bamishe said.
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