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!