In the Busoga Region of Uganda, Advantage Africa has a ground-breaking project among people with albinism, a genetic condition which prevents production of the pigment melanin. Those affected have no natural protection from the harsh sun and as a result, 98% of people with albinism in Africa die from skin cancer before they reach 40. Excluded from employment and living in poverty, they lack access to basic medical care, never mind dermatology services or life-saving surgery. Many don’t have enough knowledge about their condition to protect themselves or the means to buy suitable clothes, hats and sunscreen.

People with albinism face another big threat in East Africa because it’s believed their body parts can bring great wealth. Limbs, hair and nails are in high demand by witch doctors and their clients.

Advantage Africa’s project with the Source of the Nile Union of Persons with Albinism (SNUPA) aims to change all this. We’re working with incredible people like SNUPA’s Chairman Peter Ogik (above).Together, we’re providing children like these young boys with wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen to protect their skin. Most children have never seen sunscreen before, so Peter carefully explains its purpose and gently shows how to apply it properly and regularly to prevent skin cancer.

Across Busoga’s remote villages, Peter and his team are constantly educating, informing and creating awareness to change the attitudes that cause people with albinism to be so stigmatised and persecuted.

Although SNUPA have so far identified more than 300 people with albinism we can only meet a fraction of the need because we don’t have grants for this project and rely entirely on donations. That’s why weurgently need your support. 

£10 could provide a hat, dermatology check and bottle of high SPF sunscreen for a child with albinism

£25 could buy protective long-sleeved clothing for a family affected by albinism

£50 could fund outreach in a village to debunk the dangerous myths surrounding albinism

£100 could pay one month’s salary for a community worker like Peter

£300 could fund a life-saving operation for skin cancer

Thank you for helping children with albinism to have a future they can look forward to. JustGiving will pass on your donation to Advantage Africa directly, together with any Gift Aid due.