As the world celebrates the 2025 international day of Albinism Awareness Day, the Anambra Chapter of the person’s with Albinism have expressed gratitude to God for recording zero death rate for one year now.
The Association also unveiled The Vivygold Foundation marking a notable milestone in the advocacy for the rights and dignity of persons with albinism in Nigeria.
Speaking during the celebration at the Dora Akunyili centre on Friday 13th June, 2025 the foundation’s Managing Director, Dr. Victor Ugochukwu Ezeonwumelu, diaclosed that the organization’s commitment is set to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals with albinism, including violence, discrimination, and limited access to essential services.
Dr. Ezeonwumelu noted that the disturbing frequency of attacks on persons with albinism in Nigeria is becoming alarming. He attributed these attacks to harmful myths and superstitions, urging a collective societal effort to dispel misconceptions and foster a culture of respect, protection, and inclusion for persons with albinism.
The Vivygold Foundation also announced plans to tackle the significant health challenges confronting persons with albinism, particularly the heightened risk of skin cancer due to prolonged sun exposure and inadequate healthcare access. The foundation intends to establish sun safety clinics nationwide, distribute free high-SPF sunscreen, and collaborate with healthcare professionals to provide specialized care.
In education, the foundation aims to eliminate exclusion and discrimination in schools by training educators in inclusive practices, providing tailored learning aids, and ensuring students with albinism receive the necessary support to excel academically.
Dr. Ezeonwumelu called on government agencies and policymakers to partner with the foundation by strengthening protective laws, funding inclusive healthcare initiatives, and making albinism a national priority, warning that inaction could result in further loss of lives.
“To Educators and School Administrators: Open your doors wider. Train your staff. Embrace every child’s potential. Be the sanctuary of learning they deserve a shield against the sun and a healer in times of need,” he urged.
“To Media and Influencers: Amplify our message. Share true stories of brilliance and resilience. Silence harmful myths with truth.”
“To Healthcare Professionals: Join our clinic network. Lend your expertise.”
“To Every Nigerian Citizen: Open your eyes and hearts. Embrace every child’s potential,” Dr. Ezeonwumelu added.
Earlier in the event, Mr Ben Orizu, Chairman of the Anambra State Albinism Association (ASAA), proudly disclosed that no deaths had been recorded among persons with albinism in Anambra State over the past year. He credited this milestone to collective efforts in healthcare access, awareness campaigns, and community solidarity.
“This achievement is a testament to our united commitment. We thank God for this gift of life,” Orizu said.
However, Orizu highlighted ongoing challenges, including the management of nine active skin cancer cases among persons with albinism in the state, which require urgent and specialized medical treatment. He appealed for support toward the ASAA Medical Trust Fund to procure vital sun protection equipment such as sunscreen, protective clothing, and specialized eyewear, emphasizing that these are not luxuries but essential for survival.
He also commended the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) for enrolling 70 members of the albinism community under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), granting them free medical insurance coverage, and called on the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to extend similar coverage nationwide. Such inclusion would provide access to hospitals equipped with chemotherapy and radiotherapy services critical for effective skin cancer treatment.
Orizu expressed gratitude to the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and the Anambra State Disabilities Rights Commission for their unwavering support and advocacy efforts that continue to empower persons with albinism and other disabilities.
Special recognition was given to Comrade Vivian Ezeonwumelu, Founder of the Vivygold Foundation and pioneer chairperson of the ASAA, whose vision and dedication remain a beacon of hope.
“As we unveil the Vivygold Foundation today, we renew our commitment to a more inclusive and compassionate society where no person with albinism is left behind,” Orizu declared.
Dr. Adaeke Okechi, representing ASHIA, confirmed the agency’s ongoing commitment by extending free health insurance coverage to persons with albinism for an additional year.
In his goodwill message, Rev. Fr. Jude Uwakwe, himself a person with albinism, expressed appreciation to the foundation and all benefactors supporting persons with albinism. He urged Nigerians to increase their support, praying for divine blessings on all advocates.
Meanwhile, highlights of the event was the panel discussion led by Chidimma Anajemba, as well as empowering children with albinism with school bags containing food flasks, water bottles, and umbrellas, symbolic tools aimed at supporting their education and guiding them.
