End skin cancer for people with albinism in Uganda

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!