News

More awareness on Albinism needed to rid stigma

August 12, 2015 6:42 pm

One in every 700 people in the world today lives with the genetic disorder Albinism.

This was revealed at the inaugural Fiji Albinism symposium launched by the Minister for Health Jone Usamate in Suva yesterday.

The symposium which is being organized by a group of dermatologists with a keen interest in those with Albinism is targeted at providing more awareness and education to care givers and health professionals.

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Usamate hailed the initiative as the way forward in ridding the stigmata that persons with albinism have had to endure in the past.

“Is about promoting albinism awareness and enable us to learn about the health components of albinism as well as how this impacts on education to enable us to support these people so that they can live full and supported lives.”

The Turaga na Taukei Navo, Ratu Meli Saukuru and Dr Sitiveni Nadakuitavuki , both persons living with the genetic disorder, were guest speakers at the symposium where they shared testimonies on the challenges they have had to endure for being what many describe as ‘rare’.

The two-day symposium sees over fifty care givers, parents and health professionals mull over and discuss ways of adequately catering for the needs of persons with Albinism