AAN calls for urgent action to combat skin cancer among persons with albinism in Nigeria
National President, AAN, Dr. Mrs. Bisi Bamishe
The Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) has called for attention to the growing health crisis faced by persons with albinism (PWAs) in Nigeria, particularly the devastating impact of skin cancer.
It said this in a statement issued by the National President, AAN, Dr. Mrs. Bisi Bamishe, to mark the World Cancer Day 2025.
Tragically, it stated, our community is dying in silence due to a lack of awareness and medical intervention.
The association said In just a few days, three of its members have lost their battle with this preventable disease, while many others were fighting for their lives in hospitals or at home, without access to life-saving treatments.
Bamishe states, “Today, as the world unites to address the cancer burden, we raise our voices for those whose lives are at risk due to skin cancer. We urgently call on government leaders, lawmakers, healthcare professionals, and the public to join us in this fight.”
Persons with albinism are uniquely vulnerable to skin cancer due to the lack of melanin in their skin. Yet, the government’s response has been insufficient. PWAs have no access to free or subsidized skin cancer treatments, preventive measures such as sunscreen, or specialized dermatological care. This has led to avoidable deaths that demand urgent action.
AAN calls for the following immediate steps, “Government inclusion in healthcare programs: We urge the Federal Ministry of Health to include free skin cancer treatments, screenings, and dermatological care in public hospitals and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
“Access to protective gear: Sunscreens, wide-brimmed hats, and protective clothing should be made affordable and accessible to low-income PWAs.
“Legislative action: We call on lawmakers to pass policies addressing the specific health needs of PWAs, including funding for skin cancer prevention.
“Public awareness campaigns: Nationwide education on skin cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment must be prioritized.”
On this World Cancer Day, AAN calls on all stakeholders to act now.
“Together, we can reduce and ultimately eliminate the deadly burden of skin cancer among persons with albinism in Nigeria,” it stated.
AAN adds, “We must acknowledge the efforts of some state governors, development partners and NGOs that have done a lot for us. Special appreciation goes to Lagos State Government that has spent over N20m on skin cancer patients in the last two years as well as provision of sunscreen, hats and umbrellas. We hope other states can follow suit as much as possible.”
