Abia Albinism Group Sets Up Cancer Trust Fund After Death of Member

The Abia State Chapter of the Albinism Association of Nigeria has set up a Cancer Trust Fund to cater for the health needs of its members, especially those with cancer-related challenges.

The launch of the fund is coming after a member died while seeking medical attention outside the state.

Speaking at the launch held at the Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi Conference Centre, Umuahia, the Chairman of the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, Dr. David Anyaele, called for regular cancer screening and improved access to specialist healthcare for persons with albinism.

The event was part of activities marking the International Albinism Awareness Day.

Dr. Anyaele pledged the sustained support of the Commission for the newly established fund, disclosing that the Commission would support the Trust Fund annually, subject to government approval, and would seek technical assistance from international organisations to strengthen and expand the initiative.

“We are going to identify international agencies that will support you technically in what you are doing so that this Cancer Trust Fund will increase, will expand and the real beneficiaries will get the benefits,” he said.

He stressed that the sustainability of the fund would depend on proper management, transparency and accountability, urging the Association to establish clear policies and procedures for its operation.

He recommended that the Trust Fund should maintain a separate account from that of the Association, with credible persons outside the Association involved in its oversight, while regular reports should indicate beneficiaries, persons awaiting assistance and areas requiring further intervention.

Anyaele said the Commission’s intervention was driven by the need to prevent further deaths from cancer-related complications among persons with albinism.

Recalling the case of a woman with albinism who travelled outside Abia in search of medical care before she died, he said the experience underscored the importance of early detection and access to specialist care within the state.

“If we had a first-hand medical review in Abia State, maybe she wouldn’t have died. And that is why we said nobody must die again as a result of albinism-related cancer in Abia State,” he emphasised.

He therefore called for collaboration with the Ministry of Health to establish monthly cancer screening for persons with albinism and ensure access to dermatologists for specialised care.

He noted that some persons with albinism had been compelled to seek specialist attention outside Abia, stressing that improved healthcare services within the state would help reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Abia State Chapter, Hon. Enyinnaya Nwosu, said the Trust Fund was established to provide a lasting mechanism for supporting persons with albinism, particularly those facing cancer-related challenges.

Hon. Nwosu assured of responsible management of the fund to ensure it remains available to support persons with albinism who require assistance.