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
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