The Anambra State Albinism Association has raised concerns over the growing incidence of skin cancer among persons with albinism, revealing that it is currently managing 16 active cases within its membership.
The State Chairman of the association, Comrade Israel Ben Orizu, disclosed this while calling for urgent intervention from the government and other stakeholders to address the health challenges confronting persons with albinism in the state.
According to Orizu, the cases highlight the heightened vulnerability of persons with albinism to skin cancer due to prolonged exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation and limited access to preventive healthcare services.
He described the situation as a major public health concern, noting that many of the affected individuals require urgent medical attention, including dermatological care, surgery, medication and health insurance coverage.
“These are not mere statistics. They are fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, students, workers and community leaders whose lives are under threat,” he said.
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The association noted that skin cancer remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death among persons with albinism in Nigeria, with many patients unable to afford the high cost of treatment and specialised care.
They called on the Federal Government, the Anambra State Government, healthcare institutions, donor agencies, corporate organisations and philanthropists to support efforts aimed at improving healthcare access for persons with albinism.
Enrollment of Albinism Cancer Patients into Insurance Schemes
The group also urged the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and other relevant agencies to facilitate the enrollment of vulnerable persons with albinism, particularly skin cancer patients, into health insurance schemes.
In addition, the association appealed to healthcare providers to expand access to skin cancer screening, treatment and specialist dermatological services, while advocating increased provision of sunscreen products and protective clothing.
Orizu said the association had redirected much of its limited resources toward skin cancer prevention and treatment in response to the growing number of cases requiring urgent attention.
He stressed the need for sustained public awareness campaigns to combat discrimination and promote early detection and prevention of skin cancer among persons with albinism.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to advocacy, healthcare access, education and the protection of the rights of persons with albinism, urging stakeholders to work together to ensure that no individual dies from preventable skin cancer due to poverty or lack of access to medical care.
