Persons Living With Albinism to Benefit From Ksh.40m Medical Consignment
By Shadrack Musumba
3,800 persons living with albinism are set to benefit from a new partnership between Kenya Medical Supplies Agencies (KEMSA) and National Council for People with Disabilities (NCPWD).
The partnership will see KEMSA and NCPWD distribute sunscreen lotion worth Ksh. 40 million to persons living with albinism in all the 47 counties.
According to the chairman National Council for People with Disability (NCPWD) Peter Muchiri, skin cancer is the major killer among people living with albinism accelerated by harmful sunrays.
“The government has continually provided ksh 100 million annually to provide free sunscreen lotion to all persons with albinism in the country. In this particular occasion, the council procured sunscreen lotions worth 40 million to be distributed in all counties. We endeavor to distribute the lotions to lower –level hospitals to be accessed by clients in rural areas. Each person with albinism will receive a bottle of lotion every month depending on usage, “
chairman National Council for People with Disability (NCPWD) Peter Muchiri.
He added that the council also provides with lip care, protective clothing and comprehensive eye care.
“In addition to aforementioned, the council also gives after sunscreen lotion to cool the burning effects of sun rays as well as observing the International Day for people with albinism in partnership with government agencies and civil society organizations,” he added.
Nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura who is also the chairman of Albinism Society of Kenya and initiator of the programme said skin cancer can affect anyone with albinism at any age and that the initiative aims at saving life eradicating the myth that people living with disabilities die at forty.
“This consignment is very critical for persons with albinism who also have a right to live a longer life. We had to foot our own bills initially but this programme has intervened supporting clients who succumb from skin cancer by paying medical bills. The persons living with albinism are examined by clinicians in every visit collecting the lotions to identify any signs of skin cancer,” Hon Mwaura said.
He added that it’s important to create awareness on albinism and support their rights.
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