Umuahia, Nigeria — The Abia State Disability Commission has announced plans to distribute free sunscreen lotions to persons with albinism across the state as part of efforts to safeguard their health and well-being and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
The Chairman of the Commission, Mr. David Anyaele, made this known during a one-day Albinism Medical Sensitisation programme held at the School for the Blind, Afara, Umuahia. The event, themed “Meeting the Needs of Persons with Albinism through the Medical Model,” was organised by the Abia State Chapter of the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN).
Anyaele explained that the initiative aims to protect persons with albinism from harmful ultraviolet rays and prevent skin-related complications commonly associated with the condition. He noted that the gesture aligns with Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to improving the lives of all Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), particularly Persons with Albinism (PWAs).
“The Commission will provide four packs of sunscreen lotion to each participant to protect their skin from harsh sunlight and skin cancer,” Anyaele said.
“The AAN chairman will suggest a suitable date for distribution, and the Commission will also provide transportation fare for members who come to collect the lotions.”
He, however, urged persons with albinism not to depend solely on government interventions but to take active roles in creating awareness about their condition.
Anyaele also highlighted that the state government had trained Local Government Chairmen, Permanent Secretaries, and key officials from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on disability inclusion, the Abia State Disability Law, and disability budgeting. In addition, the Commission is currently sensitising officials of the Health and Education departments across the 17 LGAs, with Ms. Ijeoma Okoronkwo, a board member and representative of the PWA cluster, actively participating.
He further disclosed that the Commission had provided financial support to all disability clusters, including AAN, to help them commemorate their respective international days.
Commending the AAN for organising the sensitisation event, Anyaele called for more public awareness to dispel myths and misconceptions about persons with albinism. He noted that in some parts of Africa, particularly Tanzania, persons with albinism are endangered due to ritual killings, while in Nigeria, they often face discrimination, stigma, isolation, and denial of opportunities.
“Persons with Albinism must take leadership roles in awareness creation and build their knowledge on albinism issues to strengthen advocacy for inclusion,” he added.
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