Some 21 people living with Albinism in Transmara and Narok regions have benefited from free skin screening, thanks to the National Council for Persons with Disability (NCPWD) that sponsored the exercise.
Narok Albinism Association Chairperson Reuben Mpatiany said the beneficiaries of the exercise conducted in Bomet town were screened for premalignant lesions and other skin conditions and managed through cryotherapy.
“Treatment for various dermatological conditions and post cryotherapy was given. The albinos were advised on the need to have adequate skin moisturization especially on the lips that had been ignored by most of them,” said Mpatiany.
Mpatiany said those living with albinism were also advised to use adequate sub protection gears and to embrace proper dressing.
“The adults too were advised to individually monitor their skin changes for early detection of premalignant lesions and management. Regular screening and monitoring is key to preventing skin cancer. Screening helps to detect cancer early and reduce the chances of dying from the disease as it is easier to treat cancer if detected early,” he said.
Mpatiany said patients found with symptoms of cancer were referred to hospital while those with other skin complications were advised on the best oil to apply.
He called on parents, chiefs and Nyumba kumi representatives to help in identifying and registering persons living with albinism with NCPWD so that they can enjoy the government’s support. “Purchasing protective gears could be very expensive but if these people are registered, they will get all the protective gears free of charge,” he said.
Further, he said, the registered people are more advantaged as they would easily access education bursaries, tools of trade, economic empowerment and job placements.
Mpatiany also called on the county government of Narok to employ dermatologists, saying they were forced to hire a private dermatologist as the Narok County Referral Hospital has no single dermatologist.
By Ann Salaton
