The Albino Foundation has appealed to the Federal Government and private organisations to assist in the payment of N120 million sunscreen cream acquired on credit.
Miss Oluchi Iwucha, Programme Specialist of the organisation, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Iwucha said that the cream would reduce the rate of skin cancer among albinos.
According to her, the foundation acquired 300,000 pieces of the cream on credit and needed the intervention of the government and private sector in paying off the debt incurred.
She added that the foundation was confronted with the challenge of distributing the products across the country due to the distribution cost.
Iwucha stated that the intervention of various stakeholders would further help in improving the plights of persons living with Albinism thereby increasing access to healthcare.
She explained that the sunscreen creams were gotten at a subsided rate from the manufacturing company, adding that the products will not be sold but distributed free to all persons living with Albinism.
“Albinos are susceptible to various health challenges such as skin cancer, low vision impairment, freckles and moles as well as socio economic challenges.
“Exposure to the sun increases the chance of skin cancer and other skin diseases due to our delicate skin type.
“The products will be distributed to all our office in Nigeria for children, students and adults,’’ she said.
Iwucha stated that among other health challenges confronted by people living with Albinism, skin cancer accounts for 98 per cent of all deaths.
She said the issues affecting persons with albinism and the albinism community has become a concern due to the widespread of discrimination and stigmatisation.
She appealed to partners and well-meaning Nigerians to support the foundation in promoting the cause of albinism in the country. (NAN)