The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has rolled out a cancer-screening exercise for persons with albinism in Nyamira County.
According to NCPWD area coordinator Lydia Matende, the Council has been supporting persons with albinism through the Albinism program whose main aim is to cushion them from the effects of harmful sun rays which lead to skin cancer further adding that the exercise is conducted once in a financial year.
Speaking in Nyamira town during the exercise on Thursday, Matende said cancer screening is critical to diagnose and treat the disease at an early stage.
News reports by the Star say through the Albinism program, the Council has been able to provide sunscreen lotions, lip balms, and protective clothing for all Persons with Albinism to mitigate against the effects of harmful sun rays.
A senior officer of the NCPWD Stephen Wafula noted that cancer is the biggest threat and killer disease to persons with albinism hence the program seeks to help provide relevant and quality medical care for them.
He called on society to unite against the marginalization faced by individuals with albinism and recognize their contributions to the development of the community.
The council through the program has also procured long-sleeved T-Shirts and Wide Brim Hats as protective clothing for persons with albinism to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
Further, NCPWD has set aside funds to provide comprehensive eye care for all PWAs – it pays for full check-ups, including the cost of the eyeglasses.
Awareness activities by the council have been intensified through the program where key stakeholders of this program give the public more information on albinism.