By Loness Gwazanga

Blantyre, , Mana: Association of People with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) Board Chairperson Habiba Osman on Monday called on government to procure and distribute sunscreen lotion in all public hospitals to prevent reduce skin cancer amongst its membership. 

Osman made the appeal in Blantyre during the official launch of the 2022 International Albinism Awareness Day held under theme ‘United in making our voices heard’.

 “Availability of sunscreen lotion has been a challenge and according to statistics, persons with albinism are dying from skin cancer as such the ministry of health should respond to this pressing need seriously and with urgency,” said Osman.

She then urged government to consider providing more funding to the body for effective implementation of the National Action Plan which was set in 2019 which among others advocates for inclusive learning as well as welfare, coordination and network.

In her remarks, Speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara said people with albinism have the same rights as everyone else thereby calling to an end to discriminating against them.

“As parliament, we perform the following three roles: Legislative oversight and representation. From now onwards, I want to assure you that that your legislature will endeavor to make sure we do our job by taking matters of albinism with due diligence.

“I know there are many works that are coming to parliament for deliberation and adoption. Let me assure you that the matters will be given space and priority so that our brothers and sisters with albinism enjoy their rights and freedom as enshrined in the Republican Constitution just like any other Malawian,” she said.

The launch was spiced up by a football match between APAM and parliamentarians and the legislators won by three goals to two.   

The United Nations General Assembly on December 18, 2014 adopted a resolution establishing June 13th of every year, as an international Albinism Awareness Day.

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