The Abia State Disability Commission on Friday distributed free sunscreen lotions to no fewer than 100 persons with albinism in the state.
The beneficiaries were drawn from different local government areas in the state.
The commission’s Chairman, Mr David Anyaele, speaking during the distribution in Umuahia, said that the initiative was to support persons with albinism to protect their skin against cancer.
According to him, the distribution is part of Gov. Alex Otti’s commitment to enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities, particularly those with albinism.
“We are entering the dry season, which is a very difficult period for persons with albinism; their skin is dry, and bleeds sometimes.
“Appropriate sunscreen lotion will help and support them during that period.
“Our concern stems from the understanding that there is prevalence of skin cancer among persons with albinism, mainly in different stages.
“We strongly believe that prevention is better than cure,” the chairman said.
Anyaele noted that one of the key approaches to preventing skin cancer among persons with albinism was the provision of skin lotion.
“We are giving only 100 persons; however, it will be a continuous exercise and we believe that we will continue from time to time,” he said.
Responding, the Chairman of Albinism Association of Nigeria, Abia chapter, Mr Enyinnaya Nwosu, appreciated the state government for the move.
He said that it was the first-of-its-kind in the state.
Nwosu disclosed that there were about 1,000 persons with albinism in the state.
He said that the association was engaging in radio interviews and sensitisation programmes, especially with traditional rulers, to reach out to members across the 17 LGAs.
