By Akani Nkuna
The National Albinism Task Force (NATF) has called for government support in ensuring easy access to dermatologists in public hospitals and availability of free and affordable sunscreen protection for people affected with albinism.
“Almost 80% of public hospitals do not have dermatologists in South Africa. This is a grave concern as persons with albinism are forced to travel long distances and, in some cases, go to another province to seek treatment for skin cancer, said NATF chairperson Patrick Wadula.
While Friday was International Albinism Aware Day, Wadula said that the celebrations were not jubilant because many people living with albinism were dying from skin cancer, which could be curable with early government intervention.
“Where there are dermatologists, some are only available fortnightly creating a long waiting appointment list of patients for tests, surgery and ongoing treatment. The prolonged delays for treatment cause the cancer to spread and becomes incurable in some instances whereby after some time the person dies,” he said.
Wadula echoed expert views that skin cancer was one of the easiest cancers to prevent, with sun protection being key and regular visits to dermatologists. Sunscreen helped block harmful UV rays, but for many people with albinism, it was at a cost too high. Some families survived on social grants, and buying sunscreen could mean choosing between their health and putting food on the table.
Wadula called on the government to also regulate sunscreen costs and integrate sunscreen into public health programmes in vulnerable communities.
“The national Department of Health needs to understand that for people with albinism, sunscreen is a life-saving medical product, not a cosmetic but also a necessity for every household that has a person with albinism,” Wadula reiterated.
A global petition led by the Africa Albinism Network and backed by CBM Global and Human Rights Watch, is urging the World Health Organisation to reinstate sunscreen on its Essential Medicines List. It aims to make SPF50+ sunscreen more accessible for people with albinism.
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