Persons with albinism call for special medical centres

Persons with albinism in Nasarawa State have appealed for the establishment of special medical centres across the country to provide care and free treatment for those suffering from the condition.

Speaking during a visit to their homes in Akwanga and Lafia LGAs, they said the absence of treatment centres in the state had exposed them to skin cancer infections and other challenges.

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The chairman, Nasarawa State Association of Persons with Albinism, Mr John Maigwa, said most of them found it difficult to purchase chemicals, soaps and other things needed to protect their skin leading to deaths among them.

He called on the state government to initiate a special scheme targeted at providing care for persons with albinism, particularly the less privileged.

A person with albinism, and a car painter, Adeh John, called for more awareness against stigmatisation of persons with albinism to enable them to overcome social exclusion.

A mother of six, Mrs Aisha Ibrahim, said she had since resolved to commit herself to building confidence and self-esteem in her four kids who were born with albinism to enable them to discover their dreams.

Another person with albinism, Mrs Nanret Akoji, who is down with skin cancer said she travels to Abuja every month to access treatment because of the non-availability of chemotherapeutic drugs and other facilities in Nasarawa State.

A medical expert and Director, Public Health, Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ibrahim Alhassan Adamu, said contrary to superstitious beliefs and myths about persons with albinism, the condition is not contagious.

He said albinism is a hereditary condition that occurs due to lack of melanin in the body, a substance that is responsible for skin colour.

He urged persons with albinism to stop exposing themselves to the sun for long so as to check for skin cancer and other infections.