National News

People with albinism raise alarm on cancer

People with albinism in Machinga District have appealed for urgent action to help reduce the risk of skin cancer which they face due to their condition.

The call follows a report Standing Voice Malawi produced which indicates that three people with albinism have died since last year and one is under palliative care while 35 people have been treated with the disease in the district.

Association of People with Albinism in Malawi (Apam) Machinga Chapter chairperson Byson Makolopa said most people with albinism in the district suffer from skin cancer which is exacerbated by limited access to the recommended sunscreen lotion and protective clothing.

He said lack of access to medication and early stage cancer screening due to the absence of dermatology or ophthalmology services in rural health facilities is fuelling the rising cases of skin cancer.

“It is heartbreaking to see many advanced skin cancer cases among people with albinism, which could have been prevented through early detection,” said Makolopa.

Standing Voice Malawi executive director Boniface Masa said despite efforts shown, skin cancer remains a big challenge in Malawi as the disease is killing many people with albinism.

“We encourage investing in early detection of the disease,” he said.

Massa also decried the lack of psychosocial support for survivors of attacks on people with albinism, adding that there has been poor investment in their protection.

However, Machinga district lands officer Linda Majamanda said the district has constructed two houses for people with albinism.

Malawi Government initiated a project to construct houses for people with albinism as one way to protect them from brutal attacks.

According to Apam’s estimates, Malawi has been losing at least two people with albinism to skin cancer every month since 2020.


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