Group Celebrates Death-free year in Anambra, urges Support for Melanoma Cases

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra state Albinism Association (ASAA) on Friday disclosed that it has not recorded any loss among persons with albinism in the State since last year.

State Chairman, Israel Ephraim Ben Orizu revealed this on the occasion of international Albinism Awareness Day and Unveiling of Vivigold Foundation.

The event with the theme, “Demanding Our Rights, Protect our Skins, Preserve our lives” was held in Awka in collaboration with Anambra state Disabilities Right Commission and Vivigold Foundation.

Orizu described the death-free record as
major milestone and testimony to the group’s collective efforts in improving access to healthcare, spreading awareness, and strengthening community bonds.

“It is with a sense of profound gratitude that I announce that over the past one year, we have not recorded any loss among persons with albinism in Anambra State.

“This is a major milestone and a testimony to our collective efforts in improving access to healthcare, spreading awareness, and strengthening community bonds. We thank God for this gift of life,” he said.

Orizu however identified urgent realities confronting the body, including management of nine active cases of skin cancer among his members which he said required critical and specialized medical care.

“At present, we are managing nine active cases of skin cancer among persons with albinism in Anambra State. These cases require critical and specialized medical care.

“To this end, we are appealing for support towards our Medical Trust Fund — to help us procure essential sun protection gadgets.

“Among the gadgets are sunscreen, protective clothing, and specialized eyewear, and to finance skin cancer intervention treatments. These resources are not luxuries; they are necessities for survival,” he added.

The ASAA boss expressed gratitude to Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) for enrolling 70 of their members under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and granting them access to free medical insurance coverage.

While noting that the intervention has been life-saving, Orizu expressed hope for more inclusion in the coming months.

“We also appeal to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to extend insurance coverage for persons with albinism beyond the state.

“This will enable us access to hospitals equipped with chemotherapy and radiotherapy services, which are vital for effective skin cancer treatment,” he stressed.

Orizu further lauded the unwavering support of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), and the Anambra State Disabilities Rights Commission.

According to him, their consistent partnership and advocacy have been instrumental in opening doors of opportunity and amplifying the voices of persons with albinism and other disabilities.

“A very special recognition goes to Comrade Vivian Ezeonwumelu, Founder of Vivigold Foundation and Pioneer Chairperson of the Anambra State Albinism Association.

“Your legacy, courage, and continued commitment to our cause remain a beacon of hope to us all.

“We are proud to unveil the Vivigold Foundation today as a symbol of your enduring vision for a more inclusive and compassionate society.

“This vision cannot be achieved alone. It is with this in mind that I pause to sincerely appreciate my fellow executives of the Anambra State Albinism Association for their tireless dedication and teamwork.

“To the parents and families of persons with albinism, your love, care, and constant support remain the backbone of our community. You are the unsung heroes of our movement, and today, we celebrate you too.

“As we commemorate this day, let us commit once more to building a state — and a world — where no person with albinism is left behind; where our health, safety, and rights are protected; and where we are empowered to live with dignity and pride.”

Delivering his keynote address, Managing Director, Vivigold Foundation, Victor Ugochukwu Ezeonwumelu listed the group’s vision to include a society where a child with albinism plays freely in the sun, protected and proud, met not
with albinism, valued for their talents.
with fear but with friendship.

He called on government and policy makers to partner with the group through strengthening of laws, funding of
inclusive healthcare as well as making albinism a national priority, noting that their inaction could cost lives.

“To Educators & School Administrators, we call you to open your doors wider. Train your staff. Embrace every child’s potential. Be the sanctuary of learning they deserve. Be the shield against the sun and the healer in times of need.

“To Media & Influencers: Amplify our message. Tell the true stories of brilliance and resilience. Drown out the myths with truth.

“To Healthcare Professionals: Join our clinic network. Offer your expertise. To Every Nigerian Citizen: Open your eyes. Open your hearts. Embrace every child’s potential,” he added.

Representative of Anambra Health Insurance Agency ASHIA, Dr. Adaeke Okechi confirmed that 70 persons with albinism have benefitted from the agency’s free health insurance, promising extension of the free health coverage to another one year.