The Albino Foundation has urged the Federal Government to set up intervention fund to address effects of skin cancer and other health challenges associated with Persons with Albinism (PWA).
Mr Jake Pelle, President of the foundation made the appeal at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said that over 3 million of the nation’s population were living with albinism and suffering from its attendant negative effect.
Pele who described skin cancer as one of the biggest challenges confronting PWA blamed its prevalence on exposure to sun.
He said 99 per cent of PWA were susceptible to skin cancer adding that the foundation records two to three deaths monthly due to lack of early intervention.
He called for urgent attention by the government and the international community to enable PWA live a better life.
“I call on the Federal Government to take strategic and proactive approach for countless and voiceless members of the albinism community. It is time for government to pay more attention to issues affecting over two to three million persons with albinism”.
“Something strategic, coherent and positive should be done so that we can save the lives of people with albinism not only in Nigeria but Africa.
“Intervention fund should be one of the practical things that should be done immediately so that the ones that can be treated locally can be treated while those needed to be treated outside the country will receive such. We also call on the international community to come to our aid,” he said.
Pelle revealed that he was recently diagnosed of cancer blaming it on his exposure to sun at his early age.
“I am presently having multiple squamous cell carcinomas in my body diagnosed at National Hospital. This is as a result of the challenges faced by persons with albinism which resulted in my exposure to sun rays during my early childhood years,’’ he said.
He said if he could face such a challenge, how much more of the voiceless members of the albino community.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his intervention in restoring the treatment of PWA suffering from cancer initially stopped at the National Hospital Abuja, noting that the agreement reached with government years ago at the National Council on Health meeting to better the lots of PWA had suffered setback. (NAN)
