By Esther Olaifa
Mrs Bisi Bamishe, National President, Albinism Association of Nigeria, has decried the lack of access to adequate healthcare that Persons with Albinism (PWAs) encounter in Nigeria, which according to her is worsening the health of PWAs.
Mrs Bamishe, who spoke at a stakeholders meeting to mark the 2024 International Albinism Awareness Day said, “in Nigeria, we lose at least two people every month to skin cancer. Skin cancer is highly preventable when persons with albinism enjoy their health rights.”
Mrs Bamishe said “it is sad that albinism remains widely misunderstood, leading to discrimination, stigma, and social exclusion. However, the past decade has seen significant strides in the albinism movement, with increased awareness, advocacy, and policy changes.
“It is worth noting that much work remains to be done to address the persistent challenges faced by persons with albinism which include discrimination and stigma, leading to social isolation and marginalization; limited representation and inclusion in the media, education, and employment; continued violence and persecution, including killings and bodily harm; lack of access to adequate healthcare, particularly in low-income countries.”
Highlighting the achievements made so far and the ongoing pursuit of equality, inclusivity, and protection for individuals with albinism, the AAN president called for the immediate review and implementation of the National Policy on Albinism because of the prevailing negative circumstances faced by PWAs.
“PWAs are suffering and it seems there is no hope even though a national policy supporting our course of living was initiated. This policy is intended to improve the status of PWAs by harnessing their full potential and guaranteeing equal access to education, social, health, economic and political opportunities in Nigeria.
“It is hoped that effective implementation of this policy and its guidelines will guarantee improved conditions of life for PWAs,” she emphasised.
She thereafter urged the federal and state governments, international organizations, and civil society to collaborate to address the remaining gaps and ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism.
On the other hand, the Chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) Lagos Chapter, Mr Tolani Ojuri admitted that the Albinism community has achieved so much in the area of health and education in Lagos but there is a huge gap at the national level.
Mr Ojuri called for collaboration among stakeholders to achieve greater impact.
Stakeholders present at the event are Deputy Director of Medical Lab Service, Mr Jenrola Olarenwaju, Deputy Director of Social Development and Integration Dept from LASODA, Mr. Kelani Akeem representing General Manager LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde Lawal, and Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Barr. Lukman Salami, among others.