The Africa Albinism Network and CBM Global Disability Inclusion celebrate the World Health Organization’s (WHO) decision on September 5th, 2025, to add Broad-spectrum sunscreen to the Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc).
This achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the UN Independent Expert on Albinism, the Global Albinism Alliance, and dedicated partners who worked together to present a cohesive, evidence-based application to the WHO.
We are equally proud of our contribution to this global advocacy initiative through the joint campaign we launched in 2024 to have sunscreen put on the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicines List. The petition was signed by 4,282 people in 99 countries across 6 WHO regions.
The Model List of the WHO serves as a guide for the development of the national essential medicines list. EMLs are a powerful tool to promote health equity, as essential medicines are considered cost-effective elements in healthcare.
Furthermore, access to essential medicines is a fundamental element of the right to health and is closely connected to other human rights, such as the right to life. Denying access to medicine such as sunscreen for marginalized groups, such as people with albinism, can amount to systemic discrimination and a violation of human rights.
This WHO decision is more than a public health measure—it is a recognition of the health rights and human rights of people with albinism, especially in Africa, where the burden of skin cancer is disproportionately high.
“It is essential to take action and establish connections that extend beyond negotiations. The implementation of health policies and financial investments in the national action plan for persons with albinism must reflect a significant governmental commitment to eradicating discrimination.”
— Bonface Massah, Executive Director at Africa Albinism Network
The Africa Albinism Network will continue to advocate for the adoption and implementation of the AU Plan of Action (2021–2031), which urges:
- African Member States to integrate sunscreen provision into national health strategies, focusing especially on rural outreach.
- For sunscreen’s recognition as an essential medicine nationally, backed by policymakers to ensure both no-cost access and local availability.
“Sun protection for people with albinism is not only a health necessity but a human rights imperative and a climate justice issue. As a Federation, our advocacy work is rooted in amplifying the voices of people with disabilities and our Climate Advocacy Roadmap reflects this commitment by working with OPD partners to ensure disability-inclusive responses to the climate crisis. We were proud to support the campaign led by the Africa Albinism Network and we warmly congratulate everyone involved in securing this important milestone. It marks a transformative step forward for the rights, dignity and wellbeing of people with albinism globally.”
— David Bainbridge, Executive Director at CBM Global
“This milestone reaffirms our commitment to advancing disability rights and health equity worldwide. It demonstrates how collective advocacy, driven by the leadership of people with disabilities and their representative organisations, can bring about systemic change at the highest levels of global health policy. Ensuring sunscreen’s recognition as an essential medicine is not only a step towards protecting the lives of people with albinism but also a tangible example of our Federation’s pledge to dismantle barriers to health, dignity, and inclusion.”
— CBM Global
While this is a significant milestone for the global and African albinism movement, much is still left to be done. We must continue to strengthen partnerships with governments, civil society, and academics to push for quality sunscreen to be accessible and affordable for people with albinism.
Joint Statement Signed by Africa Albinism Network and CBM Global
