End skin cancer for people with albinism in Uganda

Your donations through GlobalGiving continue to bring hope and improved health for people with albinism in Uganda. Since our last report you have supported skin clinics in the Districts of Budaka, Kibuuka and Bugweri where children and adults with albinism have been able to have comprehensive skin checks with our dermatologist Dr. Ngobi and receive sunscreen, lip protection and hats. There is joy and laughter as people await their skin checks. The chance to meet and talk with others in similar circumstances, enjoying refreshments together and sharing stories and challenges gives an immense boost to participants’ well-being and ability to cope.

Catherine, single mother of a child with albinism, spoke to us and her fellow parents about how the skin clinics were improving people’s lives. She said ‘The services you provide have made the lives of our children much better. I can only imagine how hard it was to raise a child with albinism before SNUPA was around. My people, let us fully utilise the services we are getting now and continue praying for SNUPA and the partners to continuously provide for us.’

Knowing what a difference our skin clinics make to participants’ physical and mental health, we are concerned that some people with albinism sometimes miss out because they can’t afford the cost of public transport to reach them. When possible, we undertake home visits and also contribute to travel costs for those most in need. Please keep supporting us so that no-one is left behind and we can ensure that all people with albinism receive vital skin checks and protective resources.    

Alongside the district skin clinics, your support in the past quarter has meant that 38 further people with albinism have been able to come to Dr. Ngobi’s clinic in Jinja for skin checks and minor surgery. Swift and early intervention keeps people safe and gives them and their families peace of mind.

Unfortunately, during some of the clinics serious skin cancer cases have been identified requiring intensive support and urgent surgery, mostly among people who had no access to sunscreen or skin checks when they were growing up. This underlines the importance of rigorous and ongoing skin care from the earliest age for people with albinism to avoid skin cancer in later years.

A young man called Gift was one such person. Thanks to donations via GlobalGiving we were able to act quickly with a skilled local surgeon and his team to ensure Gift received surgery and follow-up care. Your support stops skin cancer in its tracks, saves lives and restores hope to individuals with skin cancer and their families. Let’s work together with renewed determination in 2024 to end skin cancer for people with albinism in Uganda. Thank you so much!