On June 13, 2024, Engage Now Africa, a leading albinism advocacy organisation in Ghana, called for urgent government action to address the persistent challenges faced by people with albinism in the country. Despite a decade of advocacy efforts, the organisation expressed frustration at the lack of progress.
“Skin cancer remains a leading cause of death among people with albinism, and they continue to face barriers in accessing education,” said Andrews Kwame Daklo, Albinism Programme Coordinator at Engage Now Africa. “We need to see sun protection creams included in the Health Insurance Scheme and the full implementation of the inclusive education policy.”
He added that, “The government’s prompt action is crucial to address these challenges. We need to see a commitment to ensuring that people with albinism have equal opportunities and access to the resources they need to thrive.”
Dr. Jeannette Aryee-Boi, a dermatologist at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, echoed the call for action, emphasizing the need for locally produced sunscreens to make them more affordable for vulnerable individuals.
The call for government action came during the International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) celebration, organised by Engage Now Africa in Ho. This year’s theme, “10 years of IAAD: A decade of Collective Progress,” celebrated the strides made within the albinism movement while highlighting the ongoing need for legal, policy, and practical changes to ensure full and equal rights for people with albinism.
The event in Ho was attended by members of the albinism community from the Greater Accra, Central, Oti, and Volta Regions. Participants received education on sun protection, as well as eye and skin cancer screenings. Those diagnosed with skin cancer were referred for further examination, while those with vision challenges were given glasses.
Over the years, Engage Now Africa has provided a range of support to people with albinism, including free sun protection creams, eyeglasses, skin cancer treatment, economic empowerment opportunities, and scholarships for orphans and children abandoned due to their condition. The organisation has also collaborated with an institution which is gathering data on the number of people with albinism in Ghana, to aid their advocacy efforts.
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SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com
