End skin cancer for people with albinism in Uganda

Since our last update, you have helped 38 children and adults with albinism from Butaleja, Pallisa and Budaka in south-eastern Uganda to receive comprehensive dermatological checks during our district skin clinics. These checks were vital and timely as nearly three quarters (27 people) required treatment with cryotherapy to prevent small pre-cancerous lesions from developing further. All 38 attendees received supplies of high sun protection factor sunscreen and lip protection as well as wide-brimmed hats as needed.

As always, our dermatologist and the SNUPA team gave health talks and provided one-to-one advice during the clinics, emphasising the importance of dressing appropriately, using sunscreen to prevent skin cancer and keeping an eye out for skin changes and new lesions. Some parents commented that they find it difficult to ensure their children always wear wide-brimmed hats when outside. One mother from Butalejja told SNUPA, ‘Our children are still stubborn! They put on the hat when at home, but when playing with others, somehow they put off the hats.This has affected their skins.’ SNUPA team members are redoubling their efforts during the skin clinics to engage with children and young people to help them understand the importance of covering their skin when outside.

Myths and misunderstanding still prevail among some newer attendees at our clinics which is why our health talks and chance to chat with other participants is so important to build knowledge and change attitudes. For example, during the Pallisa clinic the mother of a baby with albinism shared the fact that when her baby was born ‘…during my visits at the hospital I was told that the doctors missed out some medicines which made the colour of my child to change.’ Faruk of SNUPA told us ‘It was interesting that a fellow parent immediately corrected her that giving birth to a child with albinism is hereditary.’

Across the period of these clinics Uganda experienced some unusually hot and sunny weather (indicative of high UV radiation), with daily temperatures of 35 degrees centigrade (95 degrees Fahrenheit). Such conditions are particularly challenging for people with albinism and have severe effects on the condition of their skin and on their ability to go to school or work. The people we support profess their relief and gratitude for the regular skin clinics and protective resources they receive. Without them, they would be unable to safely and confidently get on with their daily lives. The help of people like you is vital in continuing this work and enabling people with albinism to improve their health, self-reliance and prospects. Please continue to stand with us and spread the word to others who may be interested in this life-saving project by sharing this link: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/end-skin-cancer-for-people-with-albinism-in-uganda/

Thank you for all your support!  

Since our last report, your donations have enabled us to provide people with albinism with skin checks and sun protection resources in Pallisa, Budaka and Kibuuku Districts. 39 children and adults received checks, sunscreen and hats and 22 of them were treated with cryotherapy to remove small pre-cancerous lesions. With your support, a further 34 people with albinism received skin checks, cryotherapy and minor surgery in our dermatologist Dr. Ngobi’s clinic in Jinja. That’s 73 people with peace of mind, safe from skin cancer and equipped to protect themselves, thanks to you!

As usual, each clinic began with a health talk from SNUPA to ensure all participants know how to protect themselves from the sun. The team were concerned that some children as young as seven were developing cancerous lesions. They impressed upon their parents and carers the importance of using sunscreen and always wearing hats and long-sleeved clothing when outside to keep them safe.

As well as training participants and carers about skin care, Dr. Ngobi took the opportunity during the skin clinics to train local health workers about albinism and how to spot lesions and provide cryotherapy. Sharing knowledge and equipping people with skills is vital to our long-term goal of ending skin cancer among people with albinism in Uganda.

Your support also enabled us to provide urgent skin cancer treatment and nutritional care for Dafali, parent and breadwinner for six children from Bugiri District. Dafali’s condition was very serious but your help and SNUPA’s friendship and care gave him an immense emotional boost. He told Faruk ‘I want to thank SNUPA for treating me. You a unique organisation. You have tried everything to save me and am hopeful God willing, I will be ok. My family is very happy for your services. I cannot thank you enough, may God reward you.’

Please spread the word and keep supporting our life-saving work among people with albinism. You are making such a difference to the lives and prospects of people with albinism and their whole families. In fact, if you feel able to donate again this week, you can release further funding from GlobalGiving as their Little by Little campaign is providing an extra 50% for donations up to $50 (about £40), up until April 12th. Thank you so much for joining us in this work!