Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Anambra State Albinism Association (ASAA) has reported that a total of nine members are currently battling melanoma popularly known as skin cancer.
The group appealed for the intervention of the state government, organisations, and spirited individuals for the treatment of their ailing members. They also called for support, care and improved welfare of the albinism community in the state.
The State Chairman of ASAA, Mr Israel Ben Orizu, disclosed this on Saturday, during an event to celebrate the International Albinism Awareness Day, held in collaboration with the VIVIGOLD Foundation and Anambra State Disabilities Rights Commission.
Orizu reported that, remarkably, no albinism-related deaths were recorded in Anambra State over the past year. However, he emphasized that the nine current cases require urgent, specialized medical attention to guarantee their survival.
“As we celebrate, we also acknowledge the urgent realities confronting our community. At present, we are managing nine active cases of skin cancer among persons with albinism in Anambra State. These cases require critical and specialized medical care.
“To this end, we are appealing for support towards our Medical Trust Fund — to help us procure essential sun protection gadgets such as sunscreen, protective clothing, and specialized eyewear, and to finance skin cancer intervention treatments. These resources are not luxuries; they are necessities for survival.”
Orizu also appealed to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to extend insurance coverage for persons with albinism beyond the state, to enable access to hospitals equipped with chemotherapy and radiotherapy services, which are vital for effective skin cancer treatment.
He thanked the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) for enrolling 70 persons with albinism in the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), providing them with free medical insurance coverage. He described the initiative as lifesaving and expressed hope for expanded future inclusion.
Orizu said also part of the event was the unveiling of the Vivigold Foundation, a non-governmental organisation established by ASAA pioneer chairperson, Comrade Vivian Ezeonwumelu, to help fight the scourge of discrimination and neglect of the albinism community in the society.
In his keynote address entitled, “Unveiling the Vivigold Foundation – A Beacon of Hope for Persons with Albinism in Nigeria,” Victor Ezeonwumelu, Managing Director of the Foundation, urged the government to make albinism a national priority. He highlighted that governmental inaction leads to loss of lives and emphasized the need for stronger laws and funding for an inclusive healthcare system.
Ezeonwumelu urged other relevant stakeholders including media, healthcare professionals, and educators to be change makers and join the fight against exclusion, marginalisation and misconception targeted against albinos in the society.
Chairman of Anambra State Disability Rights Commission (ASDRC), Barr Chukwuka Ezewuzie, said the state government has not left persons with disabilities behind but is working tirelessly to ensure the society is equal and inclusive.
Ezewuzie, represented by Madam Eucharia Anekwe, said the commission will continue to do everything possible through advocacies and sensitisation to ensure that every misconception and limitations faced by the albinism community are eliminated.
Dr Sought Out Adaeke Okechi, a Medical Officer from Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), said the agency has extended the free healthcare insurance scheme to the albinism community by an additional one year.
She said the agency will look out for any possible aid to the cancer patients, but cautioned the albinism community to always carry out routine medical check-ups for early detection of possible cancer in their body.
Director, UNIZIK Centre for Disability and Special Needs Research (CENDASNER), Prof Emeka Obiozor represented by his deputy, Dr Victor Oguaka, urged the albinism group not to relent in their pursuit of education as it remains the gateway to enjoying a fruitful future.
Also in her remark, JONAPWD woman leader, Comrade Ncheta Nwanokwara, reminded them that shielding themselves from direct sunlight will save them the troubles of cancer and other related ailments. She also urged them to learn skills to survive in society.
The event climaxed with the Foundation’s empowerment of 10 school children of the association with umbrellas and education kits to aid their development.
