The Anambra State Albinism Association has joined the international community to mark the 2023 International Albinism Awareness Day.

 

The day is aimed at creating awareness on different challenges facing people with albinism and to curb marginalization and stigmatization against them.

The international Albinism Awareness Day was instituted by the United Nations General Assembly on eighteenth December 2014, and officially designated June thirteenth annually as the day of its celebration.

 

The event marking the day took place at Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Center in Awka and was attended by the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh.

Delivering her keynote Address titled “Albinism: Overcoming Challenges and Way Forward”, the Chairperson of Anambra State Albinism Association, Comrade Vivian Ezeonwumelu said that Albinism is a genetic condition that affects the production of melanin – the pigment that gives color to the hair, skin and eyes, stating that people with Albinism have little or no melanin which makes them vulnerable to sunburn, skin cancer and vision problem.

Comrade Ezeonwumelu appealed to the government to make policies that will guarantee the inclusion, acceptance, and give equal opportunities to people with albinism.

 

In a lecture titled “Self-Assertive Thinking as a Conscious Strategy for overcoming Discrimination”, a Teacher at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Mr Ugohukwu Ezeonwumelu, urged people living with albinism to shun anxiety, and embrace self-confidence which will help them to speak up when necessary.

Also Speaking, the Chairman, Joint Association of People with Disability in Anambra State, Mr Ugochukwu Okeke appealed to the Ministry of Education to make a policy that every child with albinism should be allowed to sit in front in the classroom, that school authorities should plant trees to provide shades for them and award special scholarships for such children as encouragement.

 

Responding, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma- Udeh, represented by Mr Ikedi Udoja promised to look into the requests for the provision of safety measures for people with albinism and assured them of inclusion in the education sector.

In their various remarks, the Chairman, Anambra State Disability Rights Commission, Barrister Chuks Ezewuzie represented by Dr Chike Ezejiego, and the Director, Center for Disability and Special Needs Research, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Willie Obiozor represented by his Deputy, Dr Sylvia Obi urged people with albinism to be proud of themselves and not allow anyone to belittle them.

 

They canvassed for the inclusion of people with albinism in decision and policy making bodies and organs of governments, communities, special committees or advisory boards dedicated to addressing their concerns and others so that they will always contribute to the betterment of the society.

 

The event also featured a free eye test sponsored by the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission.

 

The theme for this year’s celebration of International Albinism Awareness Day is “Ensuring the Inclusion of the voices of persons with Albinism in all sectors of Life”.

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