Association Urges Media To Create Awareness On Albinism RightsLagos State Chairman of Albinism Association of Nigeria, AAN, Mr Tolani Ojuri, has urged the media to help create awareness on albinism rights in Nigeria.
The albinism association gave the advice in a communique issued on Saturday, after its session with media organisations in Lagos.
The communique, signed by Ojuri, espoused avenues of media aid to halt public derogatory practices against members of the body.
“We believe that by working together with the media, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society for all individuals with albinism.
“We are here, not only to engage in discussions, but also to strategise and collaborate on how to enhance media coverage around albinism-related issues.
“This is an opportunity to build a united front to tackle misinformation, discrimination and stigmatisation faced by Persons With Albinism, PWA, in Nigeria,” he said.
Ojuri said the aim of the interactive session is to amplify the provisions of the National Albinism Policy.
According to him, the association will provide a comprehensive understanding of the provisions of the National Albinism Policy and its significance for the protection and inclusion of persons with albinism.
He said it believes that the media would help to play a crucial role in raising awareness about albinism and promoting its members rights.
Ojuri said the session would be a significant step forward in its efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive society for all.
The Executive Director of Albinism Association of Nigeria, AAN, Mrs Bisi Bamishe, gave a keynote address.
She added that the National Albinism Policy represents a milestone in the association’s efforts to ensure that persons with albinism in Nigeria are recognised, respected and supported by the society and the three tiers of government.
She said the programme was organised to actualise the vision, mission, core objectives, policy targets, outcomes, review and implementation strategies that would help to advance measures to facilitate the review and implementation of the National Policy on Albinism in Nigeria.
Bamishe said the association is aware of the barriers and obstacles that persons with albinism encounter in their pursuit of education.
According to her, from discrimination and stigma to inadequate facilities and lack of awareness, the road to inclusive education is faced with challenges in Nigeria.
“Albinism is a genetic condition that results in lack or absence of melanin pigment in the skin, hair and eyes.
“Albinism is not a disease or curse. For a child to be born with albinism, it means both parents have the gene in them.
“In Nigeria, it is seen as a curse by some people and many people face discrimination, stigmatisation and even violence,” she said.
According to her, a child with albinism in Nigeria faces numerous challenges, including discrimination and social exclusion.
She added that the Nigerian society is largely ignorant about the condition and the challenges that come with it.
“Persons with Albinism in Nigeria are also at an increased risk of skin cancer due to lack of melanin pigment in their skin. Exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolent rays do lead to skin damage and ultimately, skin cancer.
“Unfortunately, many PWAs in Nigeria cannot afford to buy sunscreen and other protective clothing due to poverty. Every month, we lose at least two persons with albinism to skin cancer,” she said.
Bamishe said the National Albinism Policy is to address the multi-faceted challenges faced by PWAs in terms of skin problems, vision, low self-esteem, myths, discrimination and stigmatisation.
“Unfortunately, since the final NPA was assented to in 2019 to last for a period of five years after which a review would be done to keep space with the current humanitarian and environmental activities, the policy had not seen the light of the day.
“Since it has not been implemented as intended up till now, persons with albinism are suffering and it seems there is no hope even though a national policy supporting our course of living was initiated.
“Hence, the need to ensure review and implementation is necessary because of the prevailing negative circumstances faced by PWAs.
“The National Policy on Albinism is a comprehensive framework designed to address the unique challenges faced by persons with albinism in Nigeria.
“The policy aims to promote social inclusion, economic empowerment and access to education and healthcare for individuals with albinism.
“It was drafted in 2019 with plans to be implemented within five years. So, it was expected that its implementation would be completed by December 2024.
“Unfortunately, it has not seen the light of the day,” she said.
Bamishe said as the media serves as both the mirror and magnifying glass of the society, its involvement in raising awareness is essential to combat mths and stigma against PWA.
She said its involvement would encourage full implementation of the National Albinism Policy and promote positive representation through media stories that highlight their successes, talents and contributions.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the event was made possible through the generous support of the Disability Rights Fund, DRF, on Inclusive Education in Nigeria.
It reports that AAN is dedicated to promoting the rights, welfare and empowerment of individuals with albinism in Nigeria. (NAN)
