By USMAN ALIYU

The Initiative for Advancement of the Albinism Cause (INAAC) on Saturday offered free skin and eye care services to more than 100 persons with albinism in Edo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the free healthcare service was organised to commemorate the 2024 International Albinism Awareness Day.

In her address, Founder and Executive Director of the initiative, Miss Joy Odigie, said the event was planned to bring the community together in a significant and impactful way.

According to her, the 2024 International Albinism Awareness Day has the theme, “10 Years of Collective Progress” and celebrates the shared commitment and relentless efforts over the past decade to improve the lives of persons with albinism.

The Initiative, Odigie said, started to subsidise skin cancer surgeries for persons with albinism due to the increasing burden effect of the disease.

“Climate change has led to rising temperatures and heat waves, negatively affecting the skin of people with albinism in Nigeria.

“We are now recording increasing cases of skin tumours and cancers, especially among rural dwellers and poor persons with albinism who lack access to sunscreen lotions, skin checks, and services,” Odigie said.

She said that since the NGO introduced the skin cancer surgeries’ subsidy two years ago, about four individuals had benefited, with four more waiting in line.

“We partner with a hospital in Benin to run the subsidised skin tumours and cancer surgeries.

“The hospital offers a 20 per cent to 30 per cent discount to patients, while the NGO covers an additional 30 per cent to 40 per cent of the remaining medical bills,” she said.

The founder, however, announced a plan to launch skin and eye trust foundation for persons with albinism to provide critical resources to address their unique challenges.

According to her, these challenges range from low vision to skin cancers with the aim of enhancing quality life for this vulnerable set of people.

“However, for this fund to be successful, we need the support of government and non-governmental actors, organisations and other partners.

“Your contributions and involvement will be vital in ensuring that this fund can make a meaningful impact.

“Your support and commitment exemplify the spirit of community and solidarity that drives our mission,” said Odigie.

Taking the beneficiaries on tips for healthy life, Dr Aisha Sokunbi warned them against exposure to sunlight which could damage their skin.

Sokunbi, a Dermatologist, urged governments and well-meaning individuals to always help reduce the burden on this group due to their skin type.

NAN reports that the services also include ear checks and treatment as well as blood pressure check, among the aged ones. (NAN)

•PHOTO: Medical professionals attending to some persons with albinism during the free skin and eye care services organised by the Initiative for Advancement of the Albinism Cause (INAAC) in Benin on Saturday

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