Albinos urge government to adopt preventive strategy against skin cancer
The Albinism Association of Nigeria has appealed to the federal and state governments to institutionalise the provision of free UV-protective umbrellas, sunscreen, and wide-brimmed hats for persons with albinism.
Its national president, Bisi Bamishe, noted the move would form part of a comprehensive prevention strategy against skin cancer.
Ms Bamishe made the appeal on Wednesday in a statement to commemorate World Cancer Day, celebrated annually on February 4.
“These are not luxury items. They are basic survival tools that protect lives and reduce long-term health risks for persons with albinism,” she said.
She called for urgent, inclusive, and sustained action to address the disproportionate burden of skin cancer among persons with albinism in Nigeria.
“For persons with albinism, skin cancer is a daily and life-threatening reality. Due to the absence of melanin, their skin is highly sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, placing them at extreme risk of UV-induced skin cancer.
“While skin cancer can affect anyone at any age and on any part of the body, its impact on persons with albinism is particularly severe and often fatal when access to care is delayed,” she said.
She lamented that across Nigeria and many other countries, the challenge is not the lack of knowledge about prevention or early detection, but the lack of access.
Ms Bamishe acknowledged and commended ongoing government efforts, especially the planned inauguration of free skin cancer screening centres for persons with albinism.
She restated that early detection was a critical step toward reducing cancer-related deaths within communities. However, she stressed that screening without access to treatment was inadequate.
Ms Bamishe also called on the government, development partners, civil society organisations, media, and the public to stand in solidarity with persons affected by cancer.
The support, she said, should include research, advocating for inclusive and accessible healthcare, and strengthening policies that protect vulnerable populations.
World Cancer Day is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness, strengthening prevention efforts, promoting early detection, and mobilising collective action against cancer.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
OsunDecides: Large voter turnout in Ikire hometown of APC’s candidate Oyebamiji
Voters arrived at their polling units as early as 7 a.m., checking the registers pasted on walls for their names ahead of accreditation.
States
Octogenarian backs Adeleke’s re-election, rallies elderly voters for support
Mrs Alaraoye called on the people of the state to accept the outcome of the election and support.
States
Adeleke campaign council alleges invasion of Osun sssembly Speaker Egbedun’s residence by armed security agents
The state police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi, told the Peoples Gazette that the divisional police officer was currently on his way to confirm the development.
Education
Jason Arday subjected to campaign of sustained abuse, misinformation, says family of late Cambridge prof
The family stated, “We are in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son.”
NationWide
U.S. ends three-day workshop on intellectual property protection for up-and-coming Nigerian artistes
Mr Hudspeth convened the workshop alongside the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, World Intellectual Property Organisation, and Nigerian alumni of the American Music Mentorship Program.
World
UK govt slams £74 million fine on employers hiring undocumented workers
The UK government said, “Gig economy employers will be legally required to ensure Right to Work checks are undertaken.”
