Health
Albinos seek collaboration to fight skin cancer
By Ikenna Obianeri
As the world commemorates the International Albinism Awareness Day 2026, members of the Albinism Association and Persons with Albinism in Anambra State have called on advocates, development partners, government agencies, and well-meaning Nigerians to help in promoting the rights, dignity, health, and inclusion of persons with albinism.
The Chairman, Anambra State Albinism Association, Israel Orizu, at a programme to mark the day on Tuesday, said the 2026 celebration with the theme, ‘Proudly in my skin: Celebrating all skin tones’, is a reminder that every human being deserves equal respect, protection, and opportunities regardless of skin colour or genetic condition.
Orizu, who added that there must be deep concern and a renewed call for urgent action, lamented that the association is currently managing 16 active cases of skin cancer among its members.
He appealed to all stakeholders to join hands with the association in ensuring that no person with albinism dies from preventable skin cancer because of poverty, neglect, or lack of access to healthcare.
He said, “Every human being deserves equal protection and opportunities. Persons with albinism are valuable members of society whose contributions continue to enrich our communities despite the challenges they face.
“In Anambra State, however, this year’s celebration comes with deep concern and a renewed call for urgent action. The Albinism Association is currently managing 16 active cases of skin cancer among our members, a heartbreaking reality that reflects the severe health challenges faced by persons with albinism due to prolonged exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation and limited access to preventive healthcare services.
“The 16 active cases of skin cancer among our members are not just statistics, the patients are fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, community leaders, workers, and students whose lives are under threat. Many of these individuals require urgent medical intervention, regular dermatological care, surgery, medication, and enrolment into comprehensive health insurance schemes to improve their chances of survival.”
He pointed out that skin cancer remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death among persons with albinism in Nigeria, adding that unfortunately, many affected individuals are unable to afford the high cost of treatment and specialised medical care.
“We therefore call on the Federal and Anambra State governments to strengthen policies and programmes that protect the health and welfare of persons with albinism.
“The National Health Insurance Authority and relevant stakeholders should facilitate the urgent enrolment of vulnerable persons with albinism, especially skin cancer patients, into health insurance programmes.
“Healthcare providers and medical institutions should expand access to skin cancer screening, treatment, dermatological consultations, and preventive services.
“Corporate organisations, development partners, and philanthropists should support ongoing efforts aimed at funding treatment, providing sunscreen, protective clothing, and other life-saving interventions.
“The general public should support awareness campaigns on skin cancer prevention and eliminate discrimination, stigma, and exclusion against persons with albinism.
“Together, let us build a society where every person with albinism can live with dignity, safety, good health, and equal opportunity,” he added.
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