A Message from our Executive Director
In 2014, the United Nations declared June 13 International Albinism Awareness Day. June 13 was selected because it was the date of the first UN resolution on albinism in 2013. That resolution raised the alarm on attacks and discrimination against people with albinism and June 13 was subsequently celebrated as a platform to not only further raise alarm of those violations but to also raise a platform to celebrate people with albinism worldwide.
Since then, June 13 has been celebrated in style, bringing awareness to millions of people. The first celebration in 2015 included a large program in a stadium attended by the President of Tanzania, TV programs, and radio shows in scores of countries across Africa and the whole world. Subsequently, awareness programs took on other various creative forms from pageants highlighting the beauty of albinism to international concerts online featuring celebrated artists with albinism including Bera and Yellow Man.
Today, in part as a result of all this public education and awareness afforded by albinism day, it is not uncommon to see staff with albinism in luxury hotels, telephone companies, and banks. We also continue to have a mandate on albinism at the UN and the African Union has a continent-wide plan of action on albinism.
People with albinism are taking up various posts in governmental and non-governmental organizations from the African Union to Universities and development agencies. Here at AAN, we have also celebrated multiple PhD and Masters holders as well as government appointments and winners of elections to the Office of the Presidency, Senate, Diplomatic Corps, National Commissions, Ministerial Cabinets, and much more.
It a privilege to witness this time in history when people with albinism are gradually “taking their rightful place throughout society and the time of discrimination is beginning to become a faint memory.” Here, I paraphrase Mr. Peter Ash, whose undeniable generosity and doggedness helped to plant and water the seed of all this advocacy beginning at the UN in 2009 to date.
Due to his effort and massive contribution along with so many indispensable supporters and heroic albinism leaders in Africa and beyond, we can reap the fruits of that seed, which has now become a full-blown tree – an albinism movement. A movement that provides nourishment and shade to people with albinism, their family members and their allies everywhere. This is no easy feat and has taken very hard work, sacrifices, generosity and true character. We should all stop to reflect on this 10th anniversary of June 13 in gratitude and to renew our strength for the remaining battles – and joys – ahead.
Watch the slideshow below to learn more about the historic success of the albinism movement before and after the first albinism day in 2015.
Happy International Albinism Awareness Day!
Ikponwosa “I.K.” Ero
Executive Director, Africa Albinism Network
CAMPAIGN:
SIGN THE PETITION BELOW to call on the World Health Organization (WHO) to re-add sun blockers (or sunscreen) to the Essential Medicines List.
Every signature counts to make a lasting impact! ✍🏻 ✍🏽
- Click to Sign the Petition in English
- Click to Sign the Petition in French
- Click to Sign the Petition in Portuguese
- Click to Sign the Petition in Kiswahili
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
⛑ Skin cancer is the leading cause of death among people with albinism in Africa: Shockingly, close to 90% of people with albinism either contract or succumb to skin cancer by their 40th birthday.
🧴 Access to sunscreen is crucial yet limited: In many parts of Africa, sunscreens are unavailable and/or unaffordable, leaving people with albinism without the necessary protection.
👉 When sunscreen is added to the WHO’s essential medicine list, governments worldwide would have to make it available nationally the same way they ensure that antibiotics or other standard medicines are available.
Layla, a young woman with albinism, makes a strong plea for educational support and broader public health measures to protect people with albinism from preventable diseases such as skin cancer.Watch her call to action below 👇
🗣 SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THE PETITION!
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- X: @WHO
- Instagram: @who
- Facebook: @WorldHealthOrganization
- LinkedIn: @World Health Organization
- Africa Albinism Network (AAN)
- X: @AfricaAlbinism
- Instagram: @AfricaAlbinism
- Facebook: @africaalbinismnetwork
- LinkedIn: @Africa Albinism Network
This campaign is supported by the Global Green Grants Fund
Happy #IAAD from all of us at AAN!
MAKE A DONATION!
Your gift will help AAN support albinism groups and human rights defenders with albinism through capacity development so they can protect themselves from harm and access their rights to justice, health, education, and inclusion.
A gift of any amount will help and is a show of solidarity. Together, we can build an inclusive world for persons with albinism, free from brutality and discrimination.
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