By Okechukwu Onuegbu

Anambra State Albinism Association (ASAA), Thursday, sought interventions of well meaningful individuals, nongovernmental organisations and governor Chukwuma Soludo towards provision of medicare services to improve their living conditions.

The State Chairman of ASAA, Mr Ben Orizu, who made the call at the organisation's 2024 International Albinism Awareness and launching of medical trust fund held at Awka, the State capital, lamented that they have lost four members due to exposure to hazardous weather and poor medical attention .

According to Orizu, individuals with albinism often face significant challenges, including visual impairment, increased risk of skin cancer and social stigmatisation because of lack of protective care against Sun.

"We stand together to change the narrative and create a more inclusive and supportive environment. The lack of specialised care and support have caused immense losses, as we have tragically lost four individuals to skin cancer within the past two years.

" This is why we have launched the Anambra State Albanian Medical Trust Fund. This fund will provide access to essential Medicare, provision of assistive devices, and other resources that will enhance the quality of life for individuals living with albinism in our state," he stated.

He listed some of their late members as Mr Enemuo Ifeanyi, aged 27 (2021); Mr Peter Raymond, 25 (2022); Ms Ekemezie Precious, 24 (2023); and Ms Abuone Ijeoma, 46 (2024), even as he solicited monetary support for their member, Mr Joseph Okoye currently seeking N1.5m for his chemotherapy.

Contributing, the Anambra State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, urged the State government to make some educational policies capable of addressing the needs of people living with albinism.

The notable policies, according to him, should include allowing them to occupy front seats in classrooms for improved visions, wearing of long-sleeves, hats, among others.

Also speaking, a consultant Dermatologist, Dr Chetana Anaje, urged ASAA to always seek medical attention for quick detention and cure of cancer and other ailments.

Anaje, who also hinted on the need for people living with albinism to avoid sun from 10am to 6pm, adding that they should apply cream, wear protective dressing, use umbrella, among others.

On his part, Professor Emeka Obiozor, the Director Centre for Disability and Special Needs Research - CENDASNER office NAU Awka, urged them to constantly take care of themselves, as well as to include games (exercises) in their daily routine.

Obiozor, who assured that his centre would assist people whowith Albinism in securing admission, including admission into academic or provision of skills acqusiition to desired members.

Dr. Nelson Omenugha, the Special Adviser to governor Chukwuma Soludo on Yourh Empowerment, while encouraging them to remain steadfast, assured that they would always be benefit from the government programmes and policies.

Other speakers, including Dr Simeon Onyemaechi, whose ASHIA enrolled 70 members of the group for free, through his representative, Dr Ifediora Ngozika and Professor of Public Health from NAU,
Prof. Dennis Aribodor, equally pleged to support ASAA to realise their aims and objectives.