The Sunday News
PEOPLE living with albinism have bemoaned lack of sunburn cream medication at public health institutions as this puts their lives in great danger, amid revelations that close to 2 500 people living with albinism die every year due to this shortage.
Zimbabwe Albino Association co-ordinator Mrs Gladies Nyathi said sunburn cream medication is only available in Harare and appealed for Government intervention.
“Sunscreen lotions are a problem. They are not available at public pharmacies and hospitals,” said Mrs Sithole. “At the moment they are only available in Harare. We are appealing to well-wishers to assist because figures are indicating that approximately 2 500 people living with albinism die every year as a result of the shortage of sun screen.”
It is estimated that Zimbabwe has between 14 000 to 17 000 people living with albinism.
Mrs Sithole said her organisation has been sourcing money to buy skin medicine in South Africa to assist those who cannot afford to import it.
“At the moment, there are about 500 people whom we are helping with the sun cream. Unfortunately, the organisation does not have enough money to cater for all of them,” she said.
“There are many people who need our assistance but we have to cut the number and we now mainly focus on school-going children and some who are desperately in need of the lotion.”
She also said when available, sun creams costs $25 and lasts for 10 days.
Mrs Sithole said when not getting sun creams, people living with albinism develop sores and suffer from skin cancer.
“We also need early skin-care detection equipment placed in districts and hospitals in Zimbabwe. Children with albinism usually get sores and if they are not detected early they develop into skin cancer, but if these sores are identified at an early stage there is a chance they may live longer.
“A majority of people living with albinism do not live up to 60 years because of poor medication. We need sun cream to protect us from skin cancer, since the medicine is not easily available then it means we will die earlier.”
Pharmacists in the city said the medicine is expensive but the demand is very low as most people cannot afford it.
“The reason why the medication tends to be in short supply is because the demand is very low. We are into business like everyone else hence when demand is low we can consider not to purchase,” said Mr Thabani Ndlovu, a local pharmacist.
Another pharmacist, Ms Sithobekile Moyo, also shared similar sentiments, saying low demand has affected the sale of the medication which tends to be on the shelves until it expires.
Mrs Sithole also appealed to the Government to help them access sunscreen medication and equipment needed to detect skin problems early at an affordable cost.
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Paul Chimedza said he was not aware of the shortage but vowed to make consultations and rectify the problem.
“I am not aware of that problem, but I will consult and if that is the case we will certainly act. It is our wish as the ministry to ensure that people get quality medication,” said Dr Chimedza.
