By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The President of Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN), Dr Bisi Bamishe has urged government and stakeholders to expedite efforts to include skin screening and treatment into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Bamishe made the call in her address of welcome at the event to celebrate the International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) in Abuja.
The celebration with the theme, “IAAD 2025: Demanding Our Rights: Protect Our Skin, Preserve Our Lives,” is organised by AAN.
She described the theme as a powerful call for urgent action, adding that including skin screening and treatment into NHIS will go a long way to address challenges facing persons with albinism.
“The theme highlights the critical need to raise awareness about the severe health challenges, especially skin cancer, which disproportionately affects our community.
“It is a reminder to governments, civil society, the media, and the public that we must not be left behind in healthcare, protection, empowerment, and inclusion.
“One of the most pressing challenges is the harsh environmental conditions which have led to rising cases of skin cancer among our members. Many cannot afford treatment, and as a result, we are losing lives daily.
“We passionately appeal to the government, stakeholders and every concerned person to support the integration of skin screening and treatment into the NHIS.
“This intervention would save lives and offer hope to many,” Bamishe stressed.
She further noted that students with albinism are facing educational disadvantages due to visual impairment, and urged relevant authorities to ensure the full implementation of the National Albinism Policy on Education, with prompt and adequate provision of necessary learning aids to facilitate inclusive and quality education.
“May this year’s celebration renew our shared commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of persons with albinism in Nigeria.
“Let it inspire bolder advocacy, inclusive policies, and sustained investments in our health, education, and well-being. Above all, let it remind us and the world that we are worthy, strong, and we belong,”
she said.
She narrated the achievements of the association within the last two years to include, expansion of AAN’s state chapters to 26, with plans underway to establish chapters in remaining states.
Others are registration with JONAPWD, OPDs, NCPWD, and other MDAs, growing national recognition, influence and acquisition and furnishing of a project office.
“We have also strengthened relationships with critical stakeholders, laying foundations for meaningful social integration”.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Board of Trustees of AAN, Prof. Sam Amadi, said the association had a good structure, gaining more recognition and doing more.
“When we are united, we can articulate our needs upwards. Our strength should lie in our unity of purpose.
“There are reforms going on, but there are gaps and we need to do more in advocacy, especially teaching in schools. We are on track and by God’s grace, we will achieve our purpose,” Amadi said.
Contributing, Mr Kaura Wakili, Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), FCT Chapter said persons with albinism face unique challenges.
He commended them for showing remarkable strength and resilience, and assured them of sustained solidarity.
“We must continue to push for better healthcare, equal opportunities in education, employment, and protection from all forms of discrimination. Let’s work together to build a Nigerian where no one is left behind,” Wakili said.
Similarly, a stakeholder, Mr Afam Kasim called on persons with albinism to learn how to protect themselves from Sun rays to avoid skin cancer which is their major challenge.
“Also, use sunscreen. If the Federal Government is supporting us, we should also protect ourselves. If we keep flaunting our skin to the sun, we will have issues”.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event attracted stakeholders from the public and private sector, and executives of AAN from different states of the federation. (NAN)