The General Manager Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, has called on everyone in Lagos State to join hands with the government to ensure the protection and well-being of Persons with Albinism.
She made the call at a meeting with the Albinism Cluster group led by the Chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN), Mr Tolani Ojuri, at the Nigerian Education Research and Development Council on Saturday, 24th February 2024.
Mrs Oyetunde-Lawal noted that Persons with Albinism are susceptible to some skin diseases due to the sensitivity of their skin and exposure to the sun.
In her words, “our efforts should be more of preventive than curative; cancer is not a joke, whether you are a Person with Disability or not, whenever you come across Person with Albinism not properly covered, please interrogate them, question them; ask them where their umbrellas are?
Lend your voice towards ensuring that everyone is educated on the need to prioritize adequate skin protection as a preventive measure against all types of skin diseases. I urge parents of children with albinism to always ensure their skin are covered when they are outdoors.”
Speaking further, the General Manager revealed that LASODA has sponsored the treatment of 7 people with albinism for various cancer related issues and also provided Efudix creams to the Lagos State University Teaching hospital.
She urged Persons with Albinism to desist from self medication which can even lead to more severe complications, but just as she enjoined them to report to hospitals whenever they notice any issues with their skin for prompt attention.
“Please do not self medicate. The nature of your skin and your realities are peculiar. If you self medicate, it can cause a lot more pain for not only yourself but your loved ones”, She added
Responding, Mr Tolani Ojuri, on behalf of the Association, appreciated the Lagos State Government and LASODA for their contributions to the well-being of Persons with Albinism and promised to ensure even distribution of the donated items.