NAN-HG-4
Albinism
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, May 5, 2017(NAN) The Albino Foundation (TAF) has called on the Federal Government to mainstream albinism into various programmes of private and public sector to create equal opportunity for Persons with Albinism.
Mr Jake Epelle, the President of the foundation made the call on Friday in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2017 National Albinism Day with the theme: “Albinism and skin cancer- the need for everyone’s involvement’’.
According to Epelle, the National Albinism Day celebration was set aside by the Federal Government to create awareness on socio-economic and health challenges faced by persons with albinism.
“We want to use this opportunity to send a message to the policymakers, stakeholders and the society that we desire to be given equal opportunities as citizens of this country.
“Opportunities can be given to those qualified among us in terms of employment, entrepreneurship empowerment, education, political participation among others.
Speaking on health challenges, he said that Albinos were susceptible to skin cancer, vision impairment, freckles, moles as well as socio economic challenges.
He said that the celebration was a day to create more awareness by debunking the various myths and stereotypes that over the years bedeviled the albinism community.
“Albinos are normal human beings and will be educating them on how to be good citizens, better leaders in their occupational spheres and strategies on parenting children with albinism.
“We will also encourage them to build their self-confidence because majority of us have a challenge with low esteem,’’ he said.
He further urged government agencies and private companies to develop a sustainable partnership with the foundation geared toward providing quality healthcare as well as economic opportunities for persons with Albinism.
Epelle said that albinism was a global phenomenal that occurs in people of all race and gender, adding that it was a genetic disorder caused by lack of melanin pigment.
He said that no fewer than six million persons live with albinism in Nigeria, stating that children constitute 40 per cent of the population.(NAN)
TIM/HS/GY
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Edited by Halima Sheji/ Grace Yussuf