Albinos urged to use sunscreen to prevent skin cancer

One of the risks that increase the development of skin cancer in albinism is the sunburn, says Dr Joseph Kavule a medical worker at Arua Hospital.

 Kavule says albinism is a genetic condition where a person is born without the normal pigment (color) in their bodies.

This means that their bodies are not able to make the normal amount of melanin, a chemical which is responsible for making normal hair, skin, and eye color.

He adds that this condition is transferred genetically from generation to generation.    

“People with albinism have very light skin, hair, and eyes which makes their skin very sensitive to light and sun exposure,” he stated.

Jerome Olele, a researcher at the sustainability Coordinator from Every Child Ministries Uganda (ECM) said people with albinism need to use skin sunscreen cream in order to protect their skin from sunburns.

He revealed this at a two days Health camp that took place at Nakifuma Health Centre III in Mukono district.

The camp attracted people with albinism from Kalagi, Gayaza, Mukono and Nakifuma.

Brian Mukalazi, the Country director ECM said over 100 persons with albinism were given free sunscreen creams, hats, sunglasses and also underwent an eye, ear and skin check-up.

“We are discouraging persons with albinism from wearing open clothes that expose them to sunshine. Wear hats and sunglasses to protect your skin,” Mukalazi said.

Brian Mukalazi Executive Director Giving A Speech At The Health Campphot By Jovita Miremeb (1)

Officiating at the closure of the health camp, the assistant commissioner in charge of children affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Mondo Kyateka appealed to the public not to discriminate people with albinism mostly at workplaces.

“Do not deny them employment, they can be as good as the rest,” he stated.

A Health Worker Examining A Person With Albinism At The Health Camp

He also appealed to parents who give birth to children with albinism not to abandon them but try to educate them because they can be useful people in future.    

Photos by Jovita Mirembe