12 June 2024 · Regional Delegation of Public Health, Bamenda
On 12 June 2024, the eve of International Albinism Awareness Day, a delegation from the Association for the Welfare of Albinos (AWA) paid an advocacy visit to the Regional Delegation of Public Health for the Northwest Region in Bamenda. The delegation was received by the Regional Delegate of Public Health for the Northwest Region himself.
AWA was accompanied by the Northwest Regional Coordinator of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission, journalists from CRTV Radio Northwest and Star TV Northwest of Cameroon, and fellow advocates for the rights of people with albinism.
The visit had one clear aim: to ask that sunscreen, and basic skin and eye care for people with albinism, be recognised as essential health needs and included in public health services.
Why sunscreen is a health need, not a luxury
People with albinism have little or no melanin, the pigment that protects the skin and eyes from the sun. Under Cameroon’s strong tropical sun, unprotected skin burns quickly. Over the years this can lead to skin cancer, one of the most serious threats to the lives of people with albinism in Africa. Most of this harm can be prevented with regular sunscreen, protective clothing, skin checks and early treatment.
In the Northwest Region, many families cannot afford good-quality sunscreen, and it is rarely available in health facilities. The ongoing crisis has made things harder still: many families have been displaced, incomes have fallen, and specialist care is difficult to reach.
What AWA asked for
- Sunscreen in public health services: high-protection sunscreen (SPF 50+) made available to people with albinism at health facilities, free or at an affordable price.
- Skin and eye checks: regular dermatology and eye screening for people with albinism, with clear referral for early treatment.
- Trained health workers: awareness for health staff on the specific needs of people with albinism.
- Data for planning: counting and registering people with albinism in the region so that their needs can be planned and budgeted for.
- Inclusion in wider health programmes: making sure people with albinism are considered in national efforts towards universal health coverage.
What we need
- Sunscreen: 10,000 FCFA provides one bottle of SPF 50+ sunscreen for a child.
- Protective items: wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved clothing and sunglasses. 25,000 FCFA provides a full sun-protection kit.
- Partners: health, pharmacy and dermatology partners to support screening and supplies.
- Your voice: share this story and help us call for inclusive healthcare.
The visit was covered by The Guardian Post: NW albinos push for inclusive healthcare services.
