Health

State agency conducts free cancer screening for persons with albinism

Emphasising the importance of early detection, the state agency urged individuals with albinism to take advantage of the free screening. (Photo: Handout/Adobe Stock/Andrey Popov)

By Lucy Mumbi | Monday, May 27, 2024

2024 marks a decade since the launch of the International Albinism Awareness Day, this year's theme being "10 Years of IAAD: A Decade of Collective Progress."

The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) is carrying out free cancer screening for persons with albinism as part of initiatives leading up to International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) on June 13.

Emphasising the importance of early detection, the state agency urged individuals with albinism to take advantage of the free screening.

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“The council is pleased to offer free cancer screening to persons with albinism in the counties. We encourage all persons with albinism to take advantage of this valuable service. Early detection is key to successful treatment,” it said in a notice on social media platform X on Monday.

The screening dates across counties are as follows, the NCPWD said:

Albinism is an inherited genetic condition that reduces the melanin pigment formed in the skin, hair, and eyes.

According to the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH), 2024 marks a decade since the launch of the IAAD, this year's theme being "10 Years of IAAD: A Decade of Collective Progress."

The theme encourages everyone to celebrate strides within the movement, with a renewed commitment to the future and highlights the tireless efforts of albinism advocacy groups worldwide.

“Reflect on the continued legal, policy and practical changes still required to ensure the full and equal enjoyment of rights by persons with albinism,” the organisation said.

The IAAD, established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 18, 2014, aims to advance the rights of persons with albinism and amplify their voices.

The late Ambassador Yusuf Mohamed Ismail Bari-Bari of Somalia, along with Under the Same Sun, played a crucial role in passing the resolution.

Albinism affects individuals globally, with varying prevalence rates. In the US, one in 18,000 to 20,000 people has some type of albinism, while in other parts of the world, the rate can be as high as one in 3,000.

Most children with albinism are born to parents with typical hair and eye colour for their ethnic backgrounds.