Kilimanjaro Christians Medical Center (KCMC) in Moshi through UNICEF’s Department of Dermatology has distributed sunscreen lotion to People with Albinism in Iringa Region yesterday.
According to Dr. Pilly Shing'oma who is a specialist of dermatology and sexually transmitted infections at Iringa Referral Hospital, there are a good number of people with albinism in the region.
But only 120 PWAs are reached by project of sunscreen, wide brimmed hats and sunglasses distribution due various reason including being in remote areas.
She said the hospital in collaboration with the Kilimanjaro Christians Medical Center (KCMC) in Moshi through UNICEF’s Department of Dermatology they conduct an every quarterly PWA Clinic where albinism education and supply of Kilimanjaro Sunscreen lotion (Kilisun) is given and distributed respectively.
Dr. Shing’oma also said people with albinism across regions of Tanzania are receiving regular supplies of sunscreen through Kilimanjaro Sunscreen Production Unit (KSPU).
She stated that people with albinism lack Melanin which is a photo-protective pigment in the skin, eyes and hair.
“Melanin guards them against the sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UBV), which is especially aggressive in tropical countries like
Tanzania. The more melanin a person can produce, the darker their
skin, the greater their protection against sun damage, and the lower
their risk of developing skin cancer,” she said.
She said that due to genetic factors, people with albinism partially
or totally lack the capacity to produce melanin.
This explains their pale appearance, and their unique vulnerability to sun damage: only 2% of persons with albinism in Tanzania survive skin cancer to reach the age of 40.
This crisis is completely preventable. With adequate sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved clothing, sun protection education and regular medical check-ups, no person with albinism has to die of skin cancer.
Sunscreen provision is alarmingly poor across Africa. Sunscreens are not widely available, and are usually donated from abroad.
The first of its kind, the Kilimanjaro Sunscreen Production Unit (KSPU) was established to produce and distribute locally made sunscreens specifically designed for people with albinism across Tanzania.
Kilimanjaro Sunscreen, or ‘Kilisun’, is a water-in-oil emulsion with a sun protection factor of 30+ (High SPF). When applied, Kilisun acts like melanin, protecting people with albinism from the harmful rays of the sun.
THE Tanzania Albinism Society (TAS) Regional Secretary for Iringa Region, Leonasi Sambala said his region has no record of brutal killings of People with Albinism (PWA), the Guardian has learnt yesterday.
He said that although the albino community in Iringa Region enjoys the harmony and peace in the region, still his members of the community face the challenge of access to solar lotions (sunscreen) which help them to protect against the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.
Sambala said Iringa region has a total number of 378 PWA but still
there are very few them (about 120) who can receive local made Kilimanjaro Sunscreen Lotion, which acts as melanin guarding them against the sun’s radiation.
This was came to light on Thursday during the two-day PWA Clinic held at Iringa Region Referral Hospital were among other things albinos were given solar lotions called ‘Kilisun’ to protect them from sun radiations.
He said; “We as albino population in Iringa are facing the challenge
of discrimination and stigma from other members of the community due to lack of education about albinism.”
Tanzania Albinism Society (TAS) is a national non-profit organization established in 1978 by albinos. TAS is helping to protect and empower people with Albinism in Tanzania.
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