The Association of People with Albinism in Ekiti State has raised concerns about the rising number of cases of skin cancer and the number of members who have died from it, urging the government, organizations, and well-meaning citizens to help.Sani mourns the passing of a Kaduna lawmaker on June 18, 2023, three days after the Assembly’s inauguration
“Skin cancer is a deadly ailment disturbing Persons With Albinism in the sub-Saharan region of Africa due to the high intensity of sun,” Mr. Johnson Oniya, the association’s chairman, stated.
He lamented that members were unable to afford the high cost of skin cancer prevention.
Hunted lives: Ekiti albinism community decries rising skin cancer deaths Albinism group seeks action against discrimination Oniya, who spoke on Sunday in Ado Ekiti at a press conference to commemorate the 2023 International Albinism Awareness Day with the theme “Inclusion is Strength,” stated that his members could not celebrate the occasion on June 13 because they were mourning the loss of members to skin cancer.
He stated, “Due to low or absence of melanin, the skin of PWAs cannot withstand the sun’s ultraviolet rays.” Two great leaders in the Ekiti albinism community had died of skin cancer.
“Skin cancer is a serious threat to the PWAs in Ekiti state due to the death of the former chairman of this association, Pastor Alufa Ola, and Mrs. Bola Salami.”
