Anambra State Albinism Association Marks International  Albinism Awareness Day

The Anambra State Albinism Association has joined the global community to mark the 2023 International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD).

This is to promote the awareness creation in society on issues of persons with albinism.

It also educates society on the need for the inclusiveness of People With Albinism (PWA) in societal development.

Presenting her key note address on the topic: ‘Challenges and Way Forward’, Comrade Vivian Chika Ezeonwumelu,the chairperson of Anambra State Albinism Association stated that “One of the most significant challenges faced by people with albinism is the high risk of skin cancer.Without melanin to protect their skin from UV radiation, people with albinism need to take extra precautions to avoid sunburn and skin damage.People with albinism also often suffer from vision problems, which can range from mild to severe.They also encounter Discrimination and stigmatisation.In some cultures, people with albinism are believed to have magical powers or are considered cursed.This can lead to social exclusion,harrasment and even violence.”

According to Ezeonwumelu, “With education,sun protection,vision care, employment opportunities, advocacy and support and legal protection, people with albinism can overcome these challenges and lead fulfilling lives.

Delivering his lecture on “Assertive Thinking As a Conscious Strategy for Overcoming Discrimination,” Mr Victor Ezeonwumelu, member Nigeria Council of Educational Psychologists and lecturer at at Unizik Awka,said, “Self assertiveness is the capacity to express one’s opinion void of aggressiveness.The limit you place your self is what pulls you down,not others.Irrespective of the discrimination faced, we must develop our minds,self and conscience to stand up to challenges.“

He also urged his colleagues with albinism not to allow fear of the unknown hold them back.

He appealed to citizens and the government to always protect and care for people with albinism.

Also speaking, the Chairman, JONAPWD, Mr Okeke appealed to the Ministry of Education to make a policy that every child with albinism should be allowed to sit in the front in the classroom, that school authorities should plant trees to provide shades for them and award special scholarships for such children as encouragement.

Responding, the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Professor  Ngozi Chuma- Udeh, represented by Mr Ikedi Udoja, promised to look into the requests for the provision of safety measures for people with albinism and assured them of adequate inclusion in the education sector.

The Chairman, Anambra State Disability Rights Commission, Barrister Chuks Ezewuzie represented by Dr Chike Ezejiego, and the Director, Center For Disability and Special Needs Research, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Willie Obiozor, represented by his deputy, Dr Sylvia Obi, urged people with albinism to be proud of themselves, avoid self pity and not to allow people’s negative opinions get to them.

They urged people with albinism to embrace education to higher levels so as to be able to be involved in decision, and policy making bodies and organs of governments, communities, special committees or advisory boards dedicated to addressing their concerns and others so that they will always contribute positively, to the society.

The event  which took place at Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka, Anambra State,themed: Ensuring The Inclusion Of The  Voices Of Person With Albinism In All Sectors Of Life also featured free eye test sponsored by Anambra State Disability Rights Commission.