For a person with albinism in Cameroon, a bottle of sunscreen is not a beauty product. It is medicine. It is the difference between skin that is protected and skin that burns, blisters and, over time, can develop cancer.
That is why the Association for the Welfare of Albinos (AWA) has made sunscreen distribution one of the most important parts of its work. Through the generosity of partner organisations, our own members and AWA’s own funds, we have been putting sunscreen directly into the hands of children, women and men with albinism who could not otherwise afford it.
Why sunscreen matters so much
People with albinism have little or no melanin, the natural pigment that protects the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Under Cameroon’s strong tropical sun, unprotected skin burns quickly. Year after year, this damage builds up and 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. Regular use of high-protection sunscreen (SPF 50+), together with hats, long sleeves and regular skin checks, makes a life-saving difference. But good-quality sunscreen is expensive, and it is rarely available in local health facilities. For many families, especially those affected by poverty or displacement, it is simply out of reach.
Made possible by many hands
AWA’s sunscreen distribution has been made possible by the solidarity of several partners and friends:
- The Association of Women with Albinism in Cameroon, who donated sunscreen to support people with albinism in our communities.
- The Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism, who showed true cross-border solidarity by sharing sunscreen with AWA for people with albinism in Cameroon.
- AWA itself, which purchased additional sunscreen from its own limited funds so that more people could be reached.
- A generous AWA member, who personally donated sunscreen to support fellow members.
We are deeply grateful to each of them. Their support shows what is possible when organisations and individuals, in Cameroon and beyond, stand together for people with albinism.
More than sunscreen
Every distribution is also a chance to teach. When AWA hands out sunscreen, we explain how and when to apply it, why it must be used every day (even on cloudy days), and how hats, long-sleeved clothing and shade add extra protection. We also encourage people to watch for changes on their skin and to seek medical advice early.
So far, more than 200 people with albinism have received sunscreen and other protective materials through AWA. But sunscreen runs out. A single bottle lasts only a few weeks, and protection has to continue all year round.
Help us keep the sunscreen coming
The need is constant, and our supply depends on the kindness of donors. You can help protect a person with albinism today:
- 10,000 FCFA provides one bottle of high-protection (SPF 50+) sunscreen for a child.
- 25,000 FCFA provides a full sun-protection kit: sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, a long-sleeved shirt and lip balm.
- Donate sunscreen: organisations, pharmacies and individuals can give SPF 50+ sunscreen directly. Contact us to arrange it.
- Partner with us: health, pharmacy and dermatology partners can help us provide regular supplies and skin checks.
Every bottle is protection. Every kit is dignity. Together, we can make sure no person with albinism in Cameroon has to face the sun unprotected.
