THE Albino Foundation (TAF) an NGO, presented the Demographic, Geographic and Soci- economic survey of persons with albinism in Nigeria to the European Union (EU) in commemoration of 2018 World Albinism Awareness Day.

NAN reports that on April 16, the foundation said it received 155, 838 Euros (about N70 million) from the EU for baseline survey on the condition of People with Albinism (PWAs) in Nigeria.

The foundation said that the money would also be used to pursue production of sun-protection creams for PWAs, using local and natural products.

The presentation was made by Mr Jake Epelle, President Albino foundation to Ms Modupe Omopintemi, Project Manager, Human Right and Civil Society EU, on Wednesday, in Abuja.

According to Epelle, the baseline survey was designed to facilitate a framework for developing support systems for the care and protection of persons with Albinism in Nigeria.

He said the document was very important as development partners cannot intervene in any course concerning persons with Albinism without facts and figures.

“ The survey is a specialized document, which presents aggregated characteristics of Albinism.

“It is not just a baseline study for Persons with Albinism, but also parents with albinism, parents that have children with albinism, medical personnel, chiefs, and government officials, to present a holistic document.

“It is also a pilot edition drawn from the six geo-political states which include Kogi, Kano, Lagos, Enugu, Adamawa, Cross River and the Federal Capital Territory.

“We are however, looking forward to a future were we will be captured in every frame work, a future were we will take our place, a future were the government recognizes us as citizen of this country,’’ he said.

Epelle called on state Governors to partner with the foundation in searching for a lasting solution to the plight of PWA in various states, while urging National Orientation Agency to assist in sensitizing rural communities on Albinism.

Ms Modupe Omopintemi, Programme Manager Human rights and Civil Society EU, commended the effort of the foundation in carryout the survey in the six geo-poiltical zones of the country.

She reiterated EU’s committed in ensuring that the rights of persons with disability in Nigeria were protected.

“Globally the EU works to ensure adherence to the basic principles of human rights especially their universality, non-discrimination, inalienability regardless of the status of those demanding their enjoyment.

“ Therefore the EU will continue to be committed to its obligation as a defender of the rights of all by providing support to initiatives that address the concerns of persons with albinism,’’ she said.

World Albinism Day was adopted by the General Assembly of the UN to create both global and national awareness on the rights of persons with albinism in communities and society at large.

NAN reports that according to the foundation, there are over six million albinos in the country.

June 13, 2018 @ 16:55 GMT |

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