Parents with Children Living with Albinism in Kajiado County have been asked to stop hiding them and instead register with the National Council for Persons with Disability (NCPWD) to benefit from free protective gear provided by the government.
The Head of the Albinism Unit at NCPWD, Alex Munyere, noted that many persons with albinism do not benefit from free protective devices such as eyeglasses, protective clothing, sunscreen, and hats, as they are not registered with the Council.
He noted that some parents were still hiding their children at home due to deep-rooted societal stigma and discrimination and for fear of exposing them to the sun, making them miss out on the support being offered by the government.
The Officer noted that the protective gear given by the government is very expensive to purchase for most families; thus, those who do not benefit are easily exposed to the sun, putting them at a higher risk of getting skin cancer.
“I want to urge all parents and guardians to stop hiding their children with albinism but instead register them with NCPWD for them to be given free protective devices, which will enable them to live life to the fullest,” said Munyere.
Munyere spoke at the Kajiado County Referral Hospital during the handing over of cryogenic equipment, which is used to detect cancer at an early stage.
He said the equipment would also be donated to 20 other hospitals countrywide to aid in detecting skin cancer at an early stage.
The Officer noted that persons with albinism are at a high risk of getting skin cancer as they lack melanin, which protects their skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
Munyere added that those living in Arid and Semi-Arid areas, including Kajiado County, were the most affected due to the harsh weather conditions experienced.
“The survival rate for persons living with albinism in Kajiado is very low; due to the hot sun, many children die at an early age due to exposure to the harsh weather conditions,” he noted.
According to Rosemary Gitau, a person with albinism, the sun is their biggest enemy because once exposed to the rays, they develop sunburns, which, if not treated early, can develop into skin cancer.
Gitau added that due to their heightened sensitivity to sunlight, many people with albinism are forced to stay indoors, limiting their opportunities for employment and participation in daily activities.
She noted that people with albinism also experience social isolation due to misconceptions about their condition, further exacerbating their hardships.
Gitau said many people have limited knowledge and understanding of albinism, and there was a need to create awareness so as to promote their rights and well-being and combat the discrimination and prejudices they face in society.
Kajiado County NCPWD Coordinator, Linda Jayanoris, revealed that there are only 70 registered persons with albinism in the County. She noted that there could be many more with the condition, but fear to come out and register.
Jayanoris implored them to visit the Council to be registered so as to receive the free protective devices, which will enable them to protect themselves from the sun, thus enabling them to live life to the fullest.
Albinism is a rare genetic condition that causes the lack of pigment in skin, hair, and eyes and is sometimes accompanied by visual impairment.
According to the 2019 National Census, there are 9,729 persons with albinism in Kenya.
By Rop Janet