Women and Girls With Albinism Network (WGWAN) in partnership with The Ability Life Initiative (TALI) organized a one day Albinism Sensitization and outreach program for Person with Albinism (PWA) in the FCT and distribution of sunscreens and UV Sleeves to 97 PWA.
The event which took place on 14th October, 2023 brought together over 100 Persons with Albinism, MDAs, the media and Civil Society Organizations.
The Executive Director, WGWAN, Miss Constance Onyemaechi in a statement sent to The Qualitative Magazine stated that the prevalence of Albinism varies globally, according to the WHO estimation, Albinism affects approximately 1 in 17,000 to 20,000 individuals worldwide.
She also said that in Nigeria, PWA are facing varying degrees of challenges including discrimination and marginalization.
She also said that lack of access to meaningful sources of livelihoods has hindered greatly their access to skin care services and products such as sunscreens and UV sleeves.
“The lack of specific SPF sunscreens has exposed majority of PWA to skin cancer. We now have a significant higher risks of developing skin cancer compared to others”
“Studies indicate that PWA risk of skin cancer can be up to 1,000 times greater, particularly in region with higher levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure” she added.
The outreach program organized by the groups was designed to achieve the following;
- Improved understanding of albinism related issues among government stakeholders in attendance.
2. Media awareness about albinism was created
3. 97 Persons with albinism received sunscreens and UV sleeves
4. Copies of IEC materials were distributed to over 100 people in attendance
5. Secured collaboration and commitment from relevant MDA’s on promoting Albinism. -
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