In commemoration of the 2023 International Albinism Awareness Day, IAAD, the Association Of Persons With Albinism, Ekiti State, has sought the support of government, Non-Governmental Organisation, NGOs, and other stakeholders to allocate resources for free healthcare, education and awareness programmes for members.
This was made known today by the Chairman of the Association, Oniya Johnson, in a press conference held at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Ekiti state.
The United Nations, UN General Assembly approved the International Albinism Awareness Day, to be observed every June 13th as a platform to raise awareness about albinism.
He said, “We urged governments, especially the government of Ekiti, NGOs, and individuals to take proactive steps to support Persons With Albinism, PWAs and address the challenges they face. Governments should allocate adequate resources for healthcare, education, and awareness programmes.
“NGOs and individuals can contribute by supporting existing initiatives, funding scholarships, providing job opportunities, and volunteering their time and expertise to raise awareness and support PWAs. We want all these and more so that we can be included in every part of the society.” He appealed.
Particularly, the Chairman called on the state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, to give out free services for Persons with Albinism. “We want Biodun Oyebanji to help us in any of the government hospitals where the skin cancer can be diagnosed and handled freely. Because this skin disease is not deadly when discovered early.”
Also, Oniya called for legal protection, “Governments should enact and enforce legislation that safeguards the rights of PWAs, prohibits discrimination, and punishes acts of violence or discrimination against them. The legal framework should also ensure that perpetrators of crimes such as ritual killings or organ trafficking targeting PWAs are held accountable.”