Health: Abino Battles Skin Disease, Suffers Stigma

Nigeria joined the global community on Tuesday to commemorate the 2023 International Albinism Awareness Day, which is observed annually on June 13.

The purpose of the day is to bring attention to human rights issues affecting people with albinism around the world.

According to the UN, this year’s theme, “Inclusion is Strength,” expands on last year’s theme, “United in making our voice heard.”

The subject emphasized the significance of including a diverse range of groups both within and beyond the albinism community.

According to the Albinism Association of Nigeria, about six million Nigerians have the disorder, with Kogi State having the largest number.

According to a 2015 report submitted to the United Nations, the risks of acquiring skin cancer and skin illnesses are exceedingly high, and studies indicate that the majority of people with albinism die from skin cancer between the ages of 30 and 40.

It was reported that this genetic disease is four to five times more widespread in Sub-Saharan Africa than the rest of the globe (in part due to endogamy), with an occurrence of up to one instance per 1,500 people in certain places.

According to the paper, the lack of information on the link between albinism and skin cancer aggravates the situation.

“However, these dramatic consequences are, to a large extent, preventable: simple measures, such as using sunscreen and appropriate clothing, can prevent these cancers,” it added.

People with albinism face two primary health issues: visual impairment and a high vulnerability to skin damage from UV rays, which can lead to skin cancer.

Aside from being stigmatized and discriminated against because of their skin color, the fatal disease has frustrated and crippled their goals and sources of income, leaving them with only painful sores to flaunt.

Nigerians with albinism who have been diagnosed with skin cancer face the prospect of death due to delayed surgery or a lack of therapy due to a lack of funding.

“Superstitions lead to mutilation, dismemberment, organ harvesting, and murder in some countries, including Tanzania.

“Since 2007, numerous organizations have recorded hundreds of assaults in more than 25 countries tied to witchcraft beliefs and practices,” the foundation said.

PWAs face the most discrimination in public areas, according to a demographic and socioeconomic research of people with albinism done in Oyo and Plateau States.

The baseline survey, undertaken by the Albino Foundation in collaboration with the Australian High Commission in Nigeria, was the first version of a baseline survey that was done in six states, including the FCT, in 2018.

It demonstrated that people with disabilities, especially those with albinism, are victimized and lack access to adequate healthcare and emotional assistance.

According to the survey, over 60% of respondents, predominantly albinos, claimed to having encountered some form of discrimination because of their skin color, with Plateau State having 34% and Oyo having 26%.

Banks, hospitals, religious places, schools, villages, towns, offices, public transportation, and relationships with the opposite sex were among the places where respondents experienced discrimination.