ALBINISM AWARENESS: LASODA ADVOCATES FOR SKIN CANCER PREVENTION IN PERSONS WITH  CONDITION

Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has charged people with albinism to focus more on preventive tips against skin cancers and other skin diseases by ensuring they protect their skin from the sun and promptly report any skin issues to the hospital for early treatment.

The General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, made the call on Saturday at the awareness walk organised by the Albinism Association of Nigeria in commemoration of the International Albinism Awareness Day held at Jibowu, Yaba.

Oyetunde-Lawal, represented by the Director of Social Development and Integration in the Agency, Mr. Akeem Kilani, said it is important that all necessary steps towards the protection of people with albinism are taken into consideration to ensure they live a meaningful life.

In her words, “The Lagos State Government has continued to focus on policies and programmes tailored precisely for every member of the society regardless of disability type”, stressing that the major function of the Agency is to strengthen an inclusive environment where no one is left behind in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

“To this effect, the Agency continues in its unwavering commitment to prioritizing the well-being of individuals with disabilities and ensuring their integration into society”, she added.

The General Manager further enjoined persons with albinism, their parents, and guardians to always ensure their skin is covered if they must go out in the sun. “It is extremely important that albinos avoid the sun as much as possible, but where that is impossible, then ensure to always adequately cover up the skin if you must go out in the sun”, she said.

The Chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Mr. Tolani Ojuri affirmed that the best thing that could be done to prevent skin cancers is to always protect the skin and consult a dermatologist every 90 days for skin checks, stressing that early medical intervention saves lives.

In his words: “Please ensure you use your sunscreen lotion, umbrellas, and be adequately clothed to keep your skin away from the sun. It is also important that you seek medical intervention early enough by keeping your appointment with a dermatologist every 90 days to detect any abnormalities with the skin on time”.

He added that the theme for the 2024 Albinism Awareness Day is “10 Years of Albinism Awareness, A Decade of Collective Progress”, appreciating  the Lagos State Government, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the well-being of persons with albinism.

Also present at the event was Dr. Adeife Cole, a Consultant Dermatologist from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, who demonstrated the proper way of applying sunscreen lotion to the skin and harped on the need to adequately protect the body from the sun.