At least four people with albinism in Malawi die of skin cancer every year.

This was revealed by the Association of Persons with Albinism (APAM) Deputy Secretary General Ian Simbota during the commemoration of the albinism awareness day in Chiradzulu district.

In his speech Simbota said as a way of curbing the situation, government should establish a company that will manufacture sun screen lotion which reduces the risk of skin cancer.

“It is high time Malawi graduated from importing the product, I believe if the product was manufactured in the country it will reduce the importation cost and this will also prevent stock outs.”

In addition Simbota said persons with albinism will get employed and be able to sustain themselves.

Government and other stakeholders have also been asked to intensify awareness campaigns so as to change the mindset of people towards persons with albinism.

Commenting on the significance of the day, Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social welfare, Mary Navicha reaffirmed government’s commitment in protecting persons with albinism.

According to the 2018 population and housing census the population of persons with albinism in Malawi is at 134,636.

Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO) took part in the commemoration through the Essential GBV prevention and response project.

This year Malawi and the global community commemorated the day under the theme “Still standing strong”.