Lack of inclusive healthcare services in Ondo State has been identified as a significant factor contributing to skin infections, including skin cancer, and the inability to access education among persons with albinism.
The inability to afford skincare products like sunscreen and sunblock has led to the untimely death of some persons with albinism due to cancer, while others are currently bedridden with the disease.
Speaking with the writer on this ugly development, the State Chairperson of Persons With Albinism, Mrs. Busola Ademeko, disclosed that in 2024, three members died of skin cancer, while five members are currently battling the disease without any assistance for treatment.
According to her, out of the approximately 800 persons with albinism in Ondo State, less than 10% have access to quality education due to the lack of recommended albinism eyeglasses, which cost about N200,000.
With a child with Albinism as my last child, I am very concerned that the rate of ‘absentism’ as well as drop out of children with Albinism continue to be on the rise in the state. A major factor associated with children with Albinism in school is the vision problems and the inability to afford the recommended glasses. She explained how she is paying extra to ensure her 10-year-old daughter has access to education.
Her words: “As I am talking to you, we have over 800 Persons with Albinism in Ondo State, and their condition is not favorable. It is getting worse because they may not have access to skincare products needed”. Some of them go unnoticed because their parents keep them indoors immediately after birth, especially in the Akoko area of the state. The abuse and segregation continues to be on the increase “They are not allowed to mingle with others. And due to foul and discriminatory language, many children with Albinism stay out of school” Ade.
Calling on the public for assistance, she emphasized that what persons with albinism need is access to standard healthcare facilities with skin specialists.
She lamented that if any Albino is diagnosed with skin-related infections, they cannot receive treatment within the state and must travel to the teaching hospitals in Ife, Lagos, or Abuja, as there is no single dermatologist in the entire state.
Ademeko appealed for public donations of skincare products, noting, “Sunscreen cream now costs N8,000 to N10,000, while one sunblock for children costs between N25,000 and N30,000. For adults, it costs between N10,000 and N15,000.”
She explained, “Sunblock cream is not for everyday use. One sunblock can last for about three to four months. You only apply it when you’re going into the sun, and only on the affected areas. For example, I use one that costs N30,000.”
According to her, newborns with albinism need these skincare products the most. If they use these creams from childhood, their skin can be protected from disease later in life.
“We are crying out to the public not to allow our people to die. Half is better than none. If they cannot buy it in bulk, even one person can donate a carton. Little by little, we can gather enough and use it to care for our people.
“Even for the sake of the newborns—skin cancer must be prevented. Once it enters the body, it’s hard to manage. Even if the cancer is just starting, we can still use Efydus. And if members of the Ondo community can give us Efydus, we can get small containers and share it among ourselves. That’s what they do in Lagos,” she cried out.
Ademeko lamented that the State Agency for the Welfare of Persons With Disabilities has not been supportive, citing a lack of funds.
“We have tried our best—writing letter after letter—but nothing has happened”.
This worrisome situation of persons with albinism in Ondo State, due to the lack of inclusive healthcare services, validates a recent research report by a non-governmental organization, which assessed access to quality healthcare and inclusive social protection for persons with disabilities in Ondo State.
It revealed that decision-making on social protection policies does not adequately involve persons with disabilities. It also found that government agencies responsible for disability inclusion often lack the awareness and capacity to enforce disability-friendly policies, resulting in minimal consideration of persons with disabilities during policy planning and execution.
# Mary Agidi, a fellow of Africa foundation For Young Media professionals’ 2025 Disability and Inclusion media fellowship sent this piece from Ondo State
