End skin cancer for people with albinism in Uganda

Since we last updated you, your support has enabled 47 children and adults with albinism in the districts of Pallisa, Bugiri and Butalejja to receive comprehensive skin checks from our dermatologists Dr. Inena and Dr. Ngobi. 23 out of those checked required cryotherapy to remove pre-cancerous lesions, indicating how crucial these regular assessments are to keep people safe from developing skin cancer. All of the clinic attendees received new supplies of high SPF sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats, as well as sunglasses if required.

As ever, alongside the practical support of dermatological checks, SNUPA team members were on hand to lend a listening ear and provide counselling and advice to attendees struggling with a variety of challenges. The concerns shared during these clinics help shape SNUPA and Advantage Africa’s strategic planning and priorities. They ensure that we are addressing the real issues raised by people with albinism, and parents and carers, themselves.

For example, at the Bugiri District clinic SNUPA told us, ‘One parent reported experiencing persistent discrimination from family members following the birth of their child with albinism. The situation escalated to the extent that the father abandoned the family. This highlights the continued need for community sensitization and family counselling, from the moment of birth, to prevent albinism-related stigma.’

Everyone in attendance at the clinics is equipped to be confident in their understanding of albinism during the comprehensive health talks that start each session. Edmond of SNUPA reminds attendees that ‘It's only through properly understanding albinism that parents and persons with the condition can stand up and sensitize the communities against the myths and misconceptions surrounding it.’

Vision-care and photochromatic spectacles for young people with albinism are also consistent, pressing priorities brought up during the clinics. We are doing our best to respond to these needs to ensure that pupils with albinism don’t miss out on education, can reach their full academic potential and improve their future outlooks.

In the past quarter, your gifts through GlobalGiving also contributed to a large skin clinic held in Jinja in July. This was part of the slightly delayed commemoration of International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) 2025 which SNUPA’s normally holds each year on 13th June. Very aptly, the United Nation’s theme for IAAD 2025 was ‘Demanding our rights: Protect our skin, preserve our lives.’ SNUPA’s skin clinic helped to do just that: 130 people with albinism received dermatological checks and of these 50 received cryotherapy treatments. All 250 children and adults with albinism who attended our IAAD event received sun protection materials including sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats, and the majority received new long-sleeved shirts.

Things are slowly changing for the better, but we must not let up in our determination to help people with albinism to protect their skin and preserve their lives. In the words of the SNUPA team reporting from these latest clinics ‘We are continuously grateful for all your support!’