Marking World Cancer Day 2025 today and the loss of three albinos a few days ago, the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) has urged the Federal Government (FG) to include free skin cancer treatment in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to prevent a high mortality rate.
Appealing to the FG, the President of AAN, Dr. Bisi Bamishe, explained the impact of this crisis on the community of persons with albinism and called for adequate access to medical attention and preventive measures, including the incorporation of dermatological check-ups into the health insurance scheme.
The call to action aligns with the global theme for World Cancer Day 2025, “United by Unique.”
She called for the FG’s intervention in addressing the alarming death rate witnessed in the community due to a lack of melanin and prolonged exposure to sunlight, which poses a significant health risk, particularly skin cancer.
Read Aslo: Kwara govt commences free cancer screening
She highlighted the exorbitant cost of treatment due to the absence of structured government intervention, bringing them to a state of desperation. She revealed that a lack of intervention would lead to a high mortality rate.
Explaining their efforts in creating awareness of the plight of the community and underscoring the consequences, she said:
“Our people are dying in silence, with little to no awareness of the immense health challenges we endure, particularly the devastating impact of skin cancer. Some lie helpless in hospitals, while others struggle in their homes without access to proper medical care or hope for survival.”
“Today, as the world observes World Cancer Day 2025 under the theme ‘United by Unique,’ we seize this moment to amplify the voices of persons with albinism in Nigeria.”
She called for collective collaboration from the FG and other key stakeholders to join in the fight against skin cancer and address the global cancer burden.
Speaking on the urgent need for intervention, Bamishe highlighted the association’s advocacy for legislative support and policy implementation to tackle these critical health concerns.
She stressed the necessity of dedicated budgetary allocations for skin cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, ensuring that persons with albinism receive the medical attention they deserve.
Beyond government intervention, AAN is actively seeking partnerships with global health organizations, donor agencies, and research institutions to develop sustainable solutions that will improve the quality of life for persons with albinism.
Bamishe further emphasized the importance of nationwide educational campaigns to raise awareness about early detection, preventive measures, and available treatment options.
“The lives of our community members are precious, and we cannot afford to remain passive in the face of this growing crisis,” she stated. “We stand united by unique challenges, but we also believe in the collective power of government intervention, public support, and global solidarity to change the narrative for persons with albinism in Nigeria.”
“On this World Cancer Day 2025, we call on leaders, policymakers, health professionals, civil society organizations, corporate bodies, and individuals to take immediate action. The time to act is now.”
Bamishe also acknowledged the efforts of some state governments and NGOs in supporting the albinism community. She particularly commended the Lagos State Government for its significant contributions, revealing that over N20 million had been spent on skin cancer patients in the past two years. She urged others to follow suit.
Additionally, the state has provided essential items such as sunscreen, hats, and umbrellas to help protect persons with albinism from excessive sun exposure.