Narok: At least 37 persons with albinism in Narok counties have received free cancer screening as the world commemorates International Albinism Awareness Week. Narok Albinism Association Chairperson Reuben Mpatiany stated that the screening exercise is part of an awareness campaign aimed at sensitizing the public to eradicate the stigmatization of families with members who have albinism.
According to Kenya News Agency, this year's theme, 'Protect our skin, preserve our lives,' underscores the urgent need for awareness creation and access to essential healthcare for persons with albinism. Mpatiany emphasized the importance of skin screening, noting that individuals with albinism face a heightened risk of skin cancer. Early detection and treatment are crucial for ensuring that they lead long, healthy lives.
Those who participated in the screening were provided with free sunscreen lotions, moisturizers, and sun lip balms. Additionally, they received counseling on the proper daily use and importance of photoprotection. Mpatiany has urged the County government to employ three dermatologists in the county, highlighting the current dependence on a dermatologist from Bomet county for screenings.
Mpatiany stated, "Most people with albinism are in Emurua Dikir, Kilgoris, and Narok West Sub County. We need three dermatologists to be stationed in Emurua Dikir and Kilgoris Level Four hospitals and another one at the Narok County Referral Hospital."
The exercise was sponsored by the National Council for People with Disabilities (NCPWD), which called on parents and guardians of persons with albinism to register them with the organization to benefit from free protective gear provided by the government. The 2019 census indicated that there were 86 persons with albinism in the county, yet only 50 were registered with the NCPWD.
The Narok NCPWD Coordinator Julius Ntayia highlighted that most registered members are children and encouraged all families with individuals with albinism to register to access available support from the government and other benefactors. "The sunscreen lotion, sunhats, and sunglasses given by the government are very expensive to purchase. The gears are necessary because they protect us from direct sunlight and prevent a person from getting skin cancer, which can easily lead to death," he explained.
Albinism is an inherited condition characterized by very light skin, hair, and eyes due to reduced or absent melanin in the body. Melanin is responsible for the pigmentation of the skin, hair, and eyes. As a result, individuals with albinism may have white or very light blonde hair, although some may have brown or red hair, depending on the amount of melanin their body produces.
International Albinism Awareness Week is observed annually to inform the public of the need to end the abuse of individuals with albinism.