Albinism
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, March 20, 2018 (NAN) The Albino Foundation (TAF), on Tuesday, said the European Union (EU) delegation to Nigeria, had pledged to support and ensure that persons with albinism have access to social services in Nigeria.
Mr Jake Epelle, the president of the foundation made this disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Epelle explained that TAF in collaboration with the EU would embark on a project called “Access to Social Services for persons with albinism (PWAs) in Nigeria”.
He said the project would ensure the inclusion of albinism in national, state and community-level development interventions in Nigeria.
“With the general perception of the society and the public about albinism, this project will bridge the gap on how the society sees albinism and PWAs.
“It will ensure inclusive participation by PWAs at all levels of government, especially at the community level, where stigma, discrimination, rejection and sometimes brutal killings occur.
“This will further build the confidence of PWAs, who have been denied access to social services to participate, especially in community level activities,” he said.
Epelle said the project would involve a baseline survey that would provide needed data and information as well as advocate a review of the National Policy on Albinism.
According to him, it will also work on the review of the National Agency for Albinism and Hypo-Pigmentation Bill, as well as raise awareness on the gaps in protection, socio-political and other mechanisms for PWAs.
He said the project would put in place adequate preventive health measures for low vision and skin cancer.
“The project will involve and engage all teaching hospitals across the country to make their facilities available for PWAs, who affected with skin cancer for free.
“It will also look into the local manufacture of sun screen lotion using locally sourced materials, thereby ensuring regular availability and cost reduction”.
Speaking on improved access to inclusive educational services, Epelle explained that children and young persons with albinism suffered untold hardship in accessing qualitative education.
He said that most children with albinism shy away from school due to peer and teachers’ attitude to them, which had led most of them dropping out of school.
Epelle said the project would sensitise schools, including students, teachers and the school authorities on how to ensure the teaching of children and young persons with albinism in primary and secondary schools.
On socio-economic empowerment, he noted that many PWAs were not economically empowered and were therefore living in abject poverty.
Epelle said an innovative private and public-sector partnerships on the provision of opportunities for PWAs, including seed grants and products were needed to enable them start dependable businesses.
The Albino Foundation was established in 2006 with a focus on advocating for the recognition and respect of the rights and socio-economic inclusion of people living with albinism. (NAN)
TIM/FFP/YEMI
Edited by Francisca Oluyole/Yemi Idris-Aduloju