Foundation solicits inclusion of albinism in govt programmes

Foundation solicits inclusion of albinism in govt programmes
By Talatu Maiwada
Albinism
Abuja, June 12, 2018 (NAN) The Albino Foundation (TAF) has called on the Federal Government to take raise public awareness on rights of persons with albinism and include them into government programmes, policies and projects.
Mr Jake Epelle, the President of the foundation, made this appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja ahead of 2018 International Albinism Awareness Day scheduled for June 13.
According to Epelle, the day is adopted by the General Assembly of the UN to create both global and national awareness on the rights of persons with albinism in communities and society at large.
He said the day would create awareness on socio-economic and health challenges faced by persons with albinism, and various myths and stereotype bedevilling the albinism community over the years.
Epelle added that mainstreaming albinism into various programmes of private and public sector would create equal opportunity for persons with Albinism.
“This is an opportunity to appeal to our policy makers, stakeholders and the society that we desire to be given equal opportunities as citizens of this country.
“Opportunities could be given to those qualified among us in terms of employment, entrepreneurship empowerment, education and political participation, among others,’’ he said.
Speaking on health challenges, he said persons with albinism are susceptible to skin cancer, low vision impairment, freckles, moles as well as socio economic challenges.
He said Albinos were normal human beings and would be trained on how to be good citizens, better leaders in their occupational sphere and strategies on parenting children with albinism.
Epelle explained that albinism is a global phenomenal that occurs in people of all race and gender, adding that it is a genetic disorder caused by lack of melanin pigment.
The Albino Foundation (TAF) is an independent NGO committed to addressing the plight of persons with albinism in Nigeria as well as assist and empower them find their rightful place in the society. (NAN)
TIM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola