Luanda – Free of charge Ophthalmology and Dermatology consultations are being provided to albino people in the framework of the albinism awareness days opened Friday, in Luanda, under the support of the Kuenda Community.
The organization is also displaying dermatological products in a ceremony to take place in the premises of the Mediateca de Luanda, an action that is to go until 13 June, which is celebrated as Albinism Awareness Day and this year the events happen under the motto “United in making our voice be heard”.
While talking in the opening ceremony, the secretary of State for Family and Promotion of Women, Elsa Bárber, reiterated the commitment to give support and contribute to the promotion and social inclusion of albino people to meet sustainable solutions of working together and in an articulated manner for the wellbeing of Angolan families.
The official highlighted that the National Policy for Social Action approved in February this year, guarantees for all individuals, with emphasis to albinos and people in vulnerable situations, a decent living standard, the access to basic services, the effectiveness of their social rights as well as the reduction of risks and negative effects.
On his turn, the secretary of State for Public Health Franco Mufinda highlighted the need to reinforce the actions of the sector with the extension of the medical screening and assistance in all sanitary units of the country to assist the albino people regarding the skin and visual care.
While speaking in the act, the consultant Celso Malavoloneke, an albino himself, stressed that this matter is not just restricted to health, but it needs to be tackled in such a way that can also cover issues like empathy in the assistance and the implementation of public policies that favour access to subsidized medicines, ophthalmology consultations, employment and education for albino persons’ integration.
However, lectures with topics on “The albino woman empowerment” and "Public Policies for social inclusion of the albino in Angola” will be presented during the awareness days, as well as cultural activities to be covered with inclusive fashion show with national designers and albino models, poetry and dance.
Albinism is a genetic condition that affects people worldwide, regardless of race, ethnicity or sex, being a genetic disorder due to a defect that occurs in melanin production.
The genetic alteration also causes modifications of the sight functioning, triggering visual problems.
The 13th June date was established as International Albinism Awareness Day by the United Nations General Assembly on 18 December 2014, throughout the Resolution 69/170.
The date was celebrated for the first time in 2015 and since then the world is called to reflect each year about the situation regarding the welfare of albinos in society.
