PRESS RELEASE

 

Dr Bamishe, AAN President

 

PROTECT YOUR SKIN, BE SUN SMART:
A CALL FOR INCLUSION AND AWARENESS ON NATIONAL ALBINISM DAY BY DR. (MRS.) BISI BAMISHE, NATIONAL PRESIDENT, ALBINISM ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (AAN)
ON THE 5TH MAY, 2025

The Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) is a national organization committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of persons with albinism across Nigeria. Established in 2019, AAN provides a platform for inclusion, protection, and empowerment, while addressing the unique challenges faced by PWAs, including health risks, stigma, and discrimination. Our work as an association has led to increased awareness and acceptance of persons with albinism in many communities; reduction in school drop-out rates among children with albinism through support programs; greater recognition of albinism-related health challenges at national health forums and formation of strategic partnerships with ministries, civil society, and international donors.

As Nigeria commemorates National Albinism Day, we, the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN), join hands with fellow citizens, advocates, and stakeholders to raise awareness about the rights, health, and inclusion of persons with albinism (PWAs). This year’s theme, “Protect Your Skin, Be Sun Smart”, emphasizes the urgent need for preventive care, public education, and government action to safeguard the health and dignity of people with albinism in our country.

Effects of Sun Rays on Persons with Albinism
Persons with albinism lack melanin, the pigment that protects the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Prolonged exposure to the sun causes:
• Painful sunburns and premature skin aging.
• Higher risk of developing skin cancer, especially among rural populations.
• Vision problems due to light sensitivity.

Prevention Measures
To protect against these dangers, AAN recommends:
• Regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).
• Wearing wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved clothing, and sunglasses.
• Avoiding outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours (10 am to 4 pm).
• Routine medical checkups for early detection of skin changes.

What We Want the Government to Do
We call on the Nigerian government at all levels to:
• Include sunscreen as an essential medicine under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
• Provide free or subsidized protective gear and health services to PWAs.
• Train healthcare providers and teachers on the specific needs of persons with albinism.
• Enforce anti-discrimination laws and ensure full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act.
• Support public education campaigns targeting rural communities.

The Way Forward
To achieve long-term change, we must strengthen:
• Policy implementation and monitoring of disability-inclusive programs.
• Data collection on persons with albinism for effective planning and intervention.
• Partnerships with NGOs, international agencies, and private sector actors.
• Capacity building for community-based advocacy and peer support networks.

Appreciation
We express our heartfelt appreciation to our members, volunteers, donors, media partners, and all stakeholders who continue to support the vision and mission of the AAN. Special thanks to various state governments that have collaborated with us in the past years, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Disability Rights Fund (DRF) and Joint National Association for Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD).
Together, let us commit to a Nigeria where persons with albinism are safe, empowered, and included.

Protect Your Skin. Be Sun Smart. Stand for Inclusion.