Persons with albinism have been advised to take issues of their well being serious to avoid complicated health challenges and untimely death.
A Medical Expert, Professor Rotimi Sanya gave the advice in Ado-Ekiti at a lecture organised by the Association of Persons With Albinism, Ekiti state chapter in commemoration of this year’s International Albinism Awareness Day.
Professor Sanya told them to avoid what could deteriorate their health such as walking in the sun and using soap and cream containing sulphur, which could lead to cancer.
He pointed out that albinism should not be seen as a disease, urging them to organise more awareness programmes to champion their course.
In a remark, the Secretary of Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities, JNAPWD in Ekiti state, Mr. Benjamin Olajide enjoined the albinos to be united in order to achieve the desired result.
Mr. Olajide stated that they should not play the roles of second class Citizens, instead they should see ability in their disability.
Also speaking, a retired Veterinary Doctor, Ogunlade Ebenezer who is also an Albino called on others to be wary of what could worsen their living standard.
Dr. Ogunlade said Albinos have distinctive features which differentiate them from others, encouraging them not to tamper with the way they were created by God.
In his welcome address, the Chairman, Association of Persons With Albinism, Ekiti state chapter, Mr. Johnson Oniya said members of the Association were facing many challenges.
Some of the challenges according to him include photophobia which means effects of sunlight to their eyes and skin cancer, among others.
Mr. Oniya however appealed to government, NGOs and other relevant bodies as well as individuals to help in providing sunglasses, standard umbrella, free medical check up, cancer treatment, inclusion in political activities and enforcement of the disability law.
“With these we will have sense of belonging and our members will feel as an integral part of the society” Oniya concluded.
