Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Anambra State Albinism Association (ASAA), has launched a passionate appealed to the Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, non-governmental organisations and good spirited individuals for support and medical aid to save their members suffering skin cancer.
The group made the appeal recently during an event to mark the 2024 Day for International Albinism Awareness and launching of medical trust fund themed: “A Decade of Collective Progress.” It was held in Awka, the state capital.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of ASAA, Mr Ben Orizu, said the lack of specialised care and support have caused immense losses for Anambra ASAA. He disclosed that four members of his group have died within two years due to issues relating to skin cancer.
He listed some of their late members as Mr Enemuo Ifeanyi, aged 27 (2021); Mr Peter Raymond, 25 (2022); Ms Ekemezie Precious, 24 (2023); and Ms Abuone Ijeoma, 46 (2024).
Orizu said: “Individuals with albinism often face significant challenges, including visual impairment, increased risk of skin cancer and social stigmatisation because of lack of protective care against the sun and isolation from the society.”
He said apart from the stigmatization, his members do not have the finance to properly manage their health including the essentials to protect their skins from being exposed to sunlight.
“We stand together to change the narrative and create a more inclusive and supportive environment. This is why we have launched the Anambra State Albinism Medical Trust Fund. This fund will provide access to essential Medicare, provision of assistive devices, and other resources that will enhance the quality of life for individuals living with albinism in our state,” he said.
The ASAA chairman equally solicited for monetary support for their member, Mr Joseph Okoye currently seeking N1.5m for his chemotherapy as his skin cancer is presently at the advanced stage.
Contributing, the Anambra State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, urged the state government to establish educational policies capable of addressing the needs of people living with albinism.
According to him, such policies can include allowing them to occupy front seats in classrooms for improved visions, wearing of long-sleeves, hats, among others.
A consultant Dermatologist, Dr Chetana Anaje, lectured members of ASAA on ways to seek medical attention for quick detention and cure of cancer.
Anaje also taught them cancer safety measures and advised them to avoid the sun, always wear protective dressing, use umbrella, sun glasses, among others.
The Keynote Speaker, Professor Emeka Obiozor, urged them to constantly take care of themselves, as well as to include exercises in their daily routine.
Obiozor, who is the Director Centre for Disability and Special Needs Research, CENDASNER office Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, urged them to embrace education and assured that his centre would assist people with Albinism in securing admission into Unizik or provision of skills acquisition to desired members.
Chairman of Anambra State Disability Rights Commission (ASDRC), Barr Chuks Ezewuzie said the commission is driving towards amending the disability rights law to also cater for the needs of albinos in the state.
He reassured the albinos that the Commission is for them and that International Albinism Day will no longer be about the celebration of the awareness, but celebration of ability in disability.
On his own, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, the Special Adviser to governor Chukwuma Soludo on Youth Empowerment, encouraged them to always engage themselves meaningfully to enable people see avenues to support them.
He reminded them of opportunities that abound in Anambra State youth ministry including 1 Youth 2 Skills programme and assured that they would always benefit from the government programmes and policies.
Professor of Public Health at Unizik, Prof. Dennis Aribodor, pledged to support ASAA to realise their aims and objectives while the managing director of Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, ASHIA, Dr Simeon Onyemaechi, represented by Dr Ifediora Ngozika, enrolled 70 members of the group into ASHIA scheme for free.
