International Albinism Awareness Day: Stakeholders Seeks Better Deal For People with Albinism
The Anambra State Albinism Association has joined the global community to mark 2023 International Albinism Awareness Day.
The day is aimed at creating awareness on different challenges facing people with albinism and to curb marginalization and stigmatization against them.
The international Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) was instituted by the United Nations General Assembly on the 18th of December 2014, and officially designated June 13th every year as the day for the celebration.
The event marking the day took place at Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka and was attended by Anambra state Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma- Udeh represented by Mr Ikem Udoji.
Delivering her keynote Address titled "Albinism: Overcoming Challenges and Way Forward", the Chairperson of Anambra State Albinism Association, Comrade Vivian Ezeonwumelu said that Albinism is agenetic condition that affects the production of melanin - the pigment that gives color to the hair, skin and eyes, stating that people with Albinism have little or no melanin which makes them vulnerable to sunburn, skin cancer and vision problem.
Comrade Ezeonwumelu appealed to the government to make policies that will guarantee the inclusion, acceptance, and give equal opportunities to people with albinism.
In a lecture titled "Self-Assertive Thinking As A Conscious Strategy For Overcoming Discrimination", a lecturer from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Mr Ugohukwu Ezeonwumelu, urged people living with albinism to shun aniexty, and embrace self confidence which will help them to speak up when necessary.
Also Speaking, The Chairman, JONAPWD, Mr Okeke appealed to the Ministry of Education to make a policy that that every child with albinism should be allowed to sit in the front in the classroom, that school authorities should plant trees to provide shades for them and award special scholarships for such children as encouragement.
Responding, the Commissioner for Education,Prof Ngozi Chuma- Udeh, represented by Mr Ikedi Udoja promised to look into the requests for the provision of safety measures for people with albinism and assured them of inclusion in the education sector.
In their various remarks, the Chairman, Anambra State Disability Rights Commission, Barr Chukus Ezewuzie represented by Dr Chike Ezejiego, and the Director, Center For Disability and Special Needs Research, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof Willie Obiozor represented by his deputy, Dr Sylvia Obi urged people with albinism be proud of themselves and not allow anyone to belittle them.
They asked that people with albinism be included in decision-making and policy making bodies and organs of governments, communities, special committees or advisory boards dedicated to addressing thier concerns and others so that they will always contribute to the betterment of the society.
The event also featured free eye test sponsored by the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission.
The themed for this year's celebration of International Albinism Awareness Day is "Ensuring The Inclusion Of The Voices Of Persons With Albinism In All Sectors Of Life".
More photos below.
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