‘Address challenges facing people with albinism’

Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (Apam) president Young Muhala has asked government and stakeholders in Nkhata Bay District to address challenges facing persons with albinism in the country.

He said this on Monday during a stakeholders meeting organised by Apam and Beyond SunCare in Nkhata Bay District.

Muhala said besides facing abductions, persons with albinism are prone to skin cancer.

He said: “The major cause of death among persons with albinism is skin cancer and most persons with albinism die before the age of 30.

“We do not have a special medical treatment and capacity in hospitals to deal with skin cancer. As I speak, there are three dermatologists in Malawi and Nkhata Bay District has no dermatologun for testing cancer.”

Muhala also alleged that negligence among health workers towards persons with albinism forces them to shun hospitals.

In an interview, Nkhata Bay District medical officer Joel Mtonga said they are trying their best with the available resources to deal with skin cancer.

He said they provide tailor-made sunscreen cream donated by Beyond SunCare.

Mtonga said: “Yes, at Nkhata Bay District Hospital, we have no dermatologun, but we have already looked into the procurement of the equipment.

“I am sure we will have it soon but at present, we just diagnose the patient and if found with skin cancer, we refer them to central hospitals.”