As the world marks 2024 International Albinism Awareness Day, the Anambra State Albinism Association, have called for support from the Anambra State Government, philanthropists, churches and non-government organisations (NGO) on treatment as well as provision of assisting devices for skin cancer.
The group made the call during its celebration and launching of the “Albinisim Trust Fund” held at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka, last week.
Speaking during the event, the Chairman Anambra State Albinism Association, Mr Ben Orizu Isreal expressed that the main reason behind the launch is that the Anambra State Albinism community have an issue that nobody seems to be talking about. “Overexposure to the sun causes some of us to have skin cancer and this has been eating deep to the point that it has caused the death of four members.
“We initiated this trust fund for us to provide them with sunglasses, umbrellas, wide-brimmed hats, sunscreens and other necessary assisting devices. For those that have already developed such cancer we will be able to provide them with proper Health care”.
“I must commend the Anambra state government for their support under JONAPD as regards employment but on the issue of this skin cancer, nothing has been done. We believe if necessary policy is put in place this issue will be solved. We are calling on Governor Soludo to come to our aid and assist us fight this ugly trend. ASHIA has given us insurance and we are discussing with the Ministry of Education to implement policies that will reduce bullying in schools”.
Chairman Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Anambra state Chapter (JONAPD), Comr Ugochukwu Okeke noted that the essence for the Albinism Association to set up a trust fund was due to the needs and the challenges they are undergoing. “This will enable them to seek medical services for their members one of the challenges is skin cancer in Anambra, we have recorded four cases, including one of them with such an issue currently and so they are coming up with this idea of putting up a trust fund where government, churches, NGOs and philanthropists to assist them, cancer is not manageable and that’s why I join them to call on everyone to come to their aid and donate towards the trust fund and also sensitive people about skin cancer, so I think it’s a right step in a right direction”.
In his remark, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Youth Empowerment Programmes, Dr Nelson Omenugha noted that Albinism is not a disability but just people with special needs and encouraged them to always stand to be counted. He emphasized that the Governor Soludo-led administration would leave no one behind in the scheme of things, especially the youth and assured them of inclusion.
Dr Omenugha encouraged them to always engage themselves meaningfully to enable people to seek avenues to support them and reminded them of opportunities that abound in Anambra State youth ministry including the 1 Youth 2 Skills programme and opportunities inherent in the Solution Innovation District.
One of the members, Calista John, however, advised the Albinism community to “embrace self-love, define yourself and know your worth. There is nothing some says that will move you, you be like a tree planted by the riverside. There is no need to feel inferior, she added”.
Meanwhile, the event was attended by the Chairman, Anambra State Disability Rights Commission, Barrister Chuka Ezewuzie and other special guests.
