The Association of Albinism in Kaduna State has raised an alarm over the escalating incidence of skin cancer among people with albinism, attributing it to the harsh weather conditions exacerbated by climate change.
This comes as the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is set to address the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.
Abubakar Adam, the chairman of the association, revealed the dire consequences of climate change on albinos in an interview on Sunday. He lamented the recent loss of three people with albinism in the state, attributing their deaths to climate change-related issues, including skin cancer. “People with albinism lack melanin in their skin, making them more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer,” Mr. Adam explained.
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The association has launched a campaign to educate parents of children with albinism about the risks posed by the intense heat. The campaign also aims to raise awareness about the high cost of living that affects most adults with albinism, who struggle to work during the day due to the harsh weather conditions. “We often seek refuge under trees or umbrellas to shield our skin from burning,” Mr. Adam shared.