AAN calls for support, inclusion as Abuja albinism community benefits from medical outreach

The Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) has called for stronger institutional support and social inclusion for persons living with albinism, citing persistent discrimination, health risks and weak policy implementation.

With an estimated four million persons living with albinism in Nigeria, AAN Executive Director, Dr Bisi Bamishe, said the need for deliberate and sustained inclusive policies and programmes could not be overemphasised, warning that continued stigma, discrimination and health challenges risk undermining the sociopolitical and economic contributions persons with albinism make to their communities and the country.

Bamishe and other stakeholders spoke on Wednesday in Abuja during the White Fire Project Outreach Programme, a medical outreach and sensitisation initiative organised by the association with support from France-based Fondation Pierre Fabre and its collaborating partner, Big Feline Agency.

People living with albinism drawn from across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory benefited from free medical consultations, counselling and referrals, alongside the distribution of assistive items such as umbrellas, sunblocks, creams and caps.

Bamishe, said the outreach was designed to provide both direct medical support and broader public education on albinism.

“Many persons with albinism face health challenges, especially with their skin and eyesight.

“Through this programme, we are providing free skin checks, eye examinations, general medical check-ups, health education, and distribution of protective materials such as sunscreen.

“These services are meant to help prevent serious health problems and improve overall wellbeing,” Bamishe added.

Represented by Adeiyi Onah Daniel, the National General Secretary of the association, Bamishe said the programme was also aimed at addressing widespread misconceptions and discrimination.

“We want communities to understand that persons with albinism are valuable members of society who deserve respect, equal opportunities, and support.

“This programme also helps to correct wrong beliefs and reduce discrimination,” she said.

Describing the outreach as a demonstration of what collective action could achieve while commending Fondation Pierre Fabre, Big Feline Agency, volunteers and community leaders for their support, she said, “Today is a very important day for us because it shows what can happen when people come together to support one another”.

On his part, Daniel said the programme was conceived to draw attention to the daily challenges faced by persons with albinism while offering immediate medical and material assistance.

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He appealed for increased support from government and private individuals while identifying discrimination and social exclusion as major obstacles confronting persons with albinism in Nigeria.

“One of the major challenges is acceptability and integration. A lot of discrimination comes to people with albinism in this country,” he said.

He said the association had continued to counter harmful stereotypes, noting that while a National Albinism Policy was approved in 2018 following advocacy efforts by the association, implementation by the authorities remained weak.

“Developing a policy is the easiest part of the job. The issue is implementation. The government approved the document, but they have not implemented one bit of that policy,” he said.

Explaining that funding constraints reduced the outreach from the planned 150 to 75 beneficiaries, he said, “This is the first of its kind. We are hoping that subsequently our partners and other organisations, including the government, will come to our aid so that we can spread this outside the FCT”.

A Chief Consultant Physician and Dermatologist at the National Hospital, Abuja, Dr Olanrewaju Falodun, said the clinic focused on screening, treatment and counselling.

“We are here to check persons with albinism, look out for their skin problems and see what we can treat, those with more complex issues are referred for further care in tertiary centres.”

Falodun noted many older beneficiaries showed signs of prolonged sun exposure, “Some have pre-malignant lesions, and some have what looks like malignant lesions already,” he said, adding that younger participants showed fewer complications due to improved awareness.

He said discrimination deprives society of the contributions of persons with albinism, “When you stigmatise them, they enter into their shell and cannot perform optimally,” he added.

Also speaking, a dermatologist with the Leprosy Mission Nigeria, Dr Utani Adama, said albinism is a genetic condition and not contagious.

“Albinism is a genetic condition. It is inherited. It is not infectious and it is not a curse,” she said, stressing the importance of early detection to prevent skin cancer.

A beneficiary of the outreach, a university lecturer and PhD holder, said discrimination against persons with albinism often begins early in life.

He said persons with albinism are often underrated and wrongly perceived as incapable, particularly in education and the workplace.

“The society tends to look at us as maybe not being able to measure up, but that’s not true. I have been through primary, secondary and university education, and today I hold a PhD.”

According to him, persons with albinism can perform academically and professionally if given minimal support, particularly for low vision and skin care.

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“We only need little assistance with our sighting and then with our skin care, not exposing us to the ultraviolet ray. Apart from that, we are like every other normal person in society.”

He called on government, private organisations and individuals to create supportive work environments that reduce exposure to harsh sunlight.

Addressing younger persons with albinism, he urged them not to lose confidence despite societal challenges, “Don’t look down on yourself, speak up for yourself, put in more effort, and you can achieve whatever you set for yourself,” he said.