Nakivale (Uganda) : skin cancer, a threat to albinos

A team of doctors from a Ugandan organization of people living with albinism visited Nakivale camp to diagnose skin cancer. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

A total of fifty-two refugees, including Burundians, who suffer from albinism, underwent specialized examinations (screening) of their skin and eyes. The objective, according to the organization SNUPA (The Source of the Nile Union of Persons with Albinism), is to fight against skin cancer which risks raging in the Nakivale camp.

“We noticed the beginnings of cancer in around ten refugees, including three serious cases. Two others were evacuated to the Mulago referral hospital for intensive care. It is very difficult to reduce the risk which is aggravated by the precarious living conditions in this camp which does not have any skin specialists,” said officials from this national network of people living with albinism in Uganda.

Many of these albinos at Nakivale camp require special treatment as they have long-lasting injuries from scratching at the little lumps on their skin that burst.

“We need creams, glasses, hats and other support because we are vulnerable and cannot move around or work in host communities,” say albinos contacted by SOS Médias Burundi.

They are happy that their safety is still assured because they live in the same village of Kashojwa B.

At the Nakivale camp, there are around fifty of them and they wish to be transferred to appropriate reception centers in Kampala to undergo adequate treatment.

Nakivale currently hosts more than 140,000 refugees, including more than 33,000 Burundians.