3 people living with albinism die monthly in Nigeria — Foundation

The Albino Foundation says at least three people living with albinism die monthly in the country due to skin cancer from heat rays. The Founder of the foundation, Mr Jake Epelle, made the disclosure on Thursday in Enugu at a one-day sensitisation “Workshop for Judges and Law Enforcement Agents on the Rights of Persons with […]

The Albino Foundation says at least three people living with albinism die monthly in the country due to skin cancer from heat rays.

The Founder of the foundation, Mr Jake Epelle, made the disclosure on Thursday in Enugu at a one-day sensitisation “Workshop for Judges and Law Enforcement Agents on the Rights of Persons with Albinism.’’

Epelle noted that with the death rate, if unchecked, people living with albinism would soon go into extinction.

“But you can help by ensuring that people living with albinism are protected from the sun by giving them a ride or at least advising them, especially children living with albinism, to go out from the sun or where there is heat.

“By taking these actions, you will help check the ravaging effects of skin cancer on people living with albinism in the country,’’ he said.

Epelle also said that most times people living with albinism struggle with their sight as such might not always make right decisions from their sight senses.

Earlier, the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Priscilla Emehelu, said that there was no gainsaying that albinos suffer some disabilities and “this calls for empathy on albinos.’’

Emehelu, represented by Justice N.N. Nebo, said that Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees the rights of all citizens to freedom from discrimination.

“The guiding principle in dealing with all persons at all times could not have been highlighted in better terms than as done by the Charter (constitution).

“It is therefore hoped that albinos and indeed all persons will not be treated differently.

“The courts will always ensure that the rights of persons living with albinism are not violated and I urge all stakeholders to do the same,’’ the chief judge said.

Mr Chris Okorie presented a paper titled; “The Role of the Judiciary/Law Enforcement Agencies in the Protection and Enforcement of the Rights of Persons with Albinism’’ at the occasion.

He said that the challenge of protecting the rights of persons living with albinism should not be left only to the judiciary and law enforcement agencies.

Okorie, who is the Ebonyi State Coordinator of National Human Rights Commission, said that “human rights are better protected through preventive measures.

“I strongly believe that if all members of the society understand the true nature and conditions of persons living with albinism and respect their rights as fellow humans, the roles of judiciary/law enforcement agencies will be minimised if not eradicated.

“The end result will be that all persons living with albinism will enjoy all their rights and privileges in their respective communities and environments just like every other member of the society,’’ he said.

In a remark, the Controller of Prisons, Enugu State Command, Mr Ndubuisi Ogbodo, said that it would seem those living with albinism are not into crime.

Ogbodo said that of the over 2,000 inmates in the prisons facilities in the state, none of the inmates is living with albinism.

“Moreso, for now we have special cells we keep them if eventually we have any person living with albinism comes into our custody so that we can give them special care as their condition require,’’ he said. (NAN)