Experts have said albinism is not a curse and expressed the need for Persons Living with Albinism (PWAs) to go for regular skin check-up. They spoke at a workshop, where no fewer than 50 PWAs in Edo State, weekend, were offered free skin check-up for sun-induced skin diseases by the Initiative for Advancement of the Albinism Cause (INAAC) in Benin City, Edo State.
Addressing newsmen during the workshop, the founder of INAAC, Joy Odigie, said the workshop was organised by the organistion, in collaboration with White Angels’ Foundation and Voice of Albinism Initiative and aimed at reducing the burden of skin cancers among persons with albinism in the society.
She said: “Over 100 PWAs and 20 parents of children with albinism attended the skin management workshop, where free skin checks for various sun-induced skin diseases, such as skin cancer, were done.
“The over 50 PWAs screened, included persons with the appearance of red and black spots and rashes on their skin.
“The dermatologist detected early stages of skin lesions among six persons during the screening and they were advised to visit the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for treatment.”
Consultant Physician and Dermatologist, Dr. Roli Madubuko, urged PWAs to always go for periodic skin checks to detect early stages of skin problems, such as solar keratosis, freckles, tumors and cancers.
On her part, SussyGold Nzelu, Founder of White Angels Foundation, noted that her NGO focused on health, education and social needs of children with Albinism.
Nzelu, represented by Mr. Joseph Igwe, said the organisation empowers children with albinism and their parents with the knowledge of how to take care of their skin from an early age.
Founder, Voice of Albinism Initiative, Mrs Maria Joseph, commended the participants at the workshop for taking their skin care seriously. She said albinism is not a curse, and urged persons with albinism to see themselves as a blessing and pursue their chosen career path.
