Skin Cancer: Alarming Rise In Deaths Of Albinism Sufferers In 2022
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An alarm has been raised on the rise of deaths of albinism sufferers due to skin cancer.
The Associations of Persons with Albinism made this known on the 2022 International Albinism Day.
They urged President Muhammadu Buhari-led’s administration to bring back the previous administration’s skin cancer intervention programme. They noted that it will help save the lives of people living with albinism in the country.
According to the association, the number of deaths of persons living with albinism has risen. This is as a result of skin cancer.
This was disclosed in commemoration of the 2022 International Albinism Awareness Day, themed: ‘United In Our Voice Heard’. The day is celebrated annually on May 13.
The president of the association said that about four million people living with albinism are struggling with one or more forms of diseases, as well as skin cancer.
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Epelle said, “This scourge of skin cancer ravaging the community of people with albinism is not only life-threatening but functionally decimating the lives of Nigerians who have albinism as statistics show that about three people with albinism die from it every month.
“We plead with Mr President, to review the previous administration’s skin cancer intervention programme for people with albinism with the aim of setting up the requisite policy instruments that will make it functional and sustainable once more, to help assuage the plights of people with albinism in the country.
“To use his good office to kindly approve the inclusion of skin cancer care to the scope of the current Cancer Health Fund which only takes care of breast, cervical, and prostate cancer under your leadership.
“To galvanise local and international support for possible collaboration and funding support for skin cancer for persons with albinism (PWA). “Special attention may be placed on the United Nations Aid who we have spoken to, and are ready to extend an arm of fellowship in this regard.”
The President of the association further explained:
“In 2007, we initiated public-private-partnership with the Obasanjo administration during which the government launched a skin cancer intervention for PWA at the National Hospital and other designated states and private hospitals.
“Although this intervention continued through the regime of former late President Musa Yar’adua, it was first bankrolled in 2013 by the Federal Ministry of Finance Service-wide vote. The arrangement had earmarked and expended N17.8 million alongside other useful resources for this effort. Over 5, 000 Nigerians with albinism got treated as a result of this opportunity.
“However, this milestone was seemingly discontinued under the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari may be because of other overriding interests”.
Source: PUNCH HealthWise
