CBM Global joins the African Albinism Network to make sunscreen available to people with albinism

News | November 16, 2024

CBM Global, along with The Fund for Human Rights and Climate Action Network Europe, was delighted to support the launch of the Africa Albinism Network (AAN) petition to have sunscreen put on the World Health Organisation’s Essential Medicines List.

Watch the launch here

People with disabilities are especially vulnerable after climate change-related natural disasters and emergencies, and this is even more the case for people with albinism. Many people with albinism can get blamed or attacked in the wake of emergencies and the economic shock and poverty that follows. Furthermore, many are also attacked due to the superstition that  their body parts are valuable, which puts them at even more risk.

The rise in global temperatures and UV rays due to climate change increases exponentially the risk for people with albinism to skin cancer, as they are more susceptible  due to the lack of melanin in their skin.  Sunscreen is unaffordable for people with albinism who already face barriers to decent employment.

Ikponwosa Ero, Executive Director of AAN, says:

“The alarming rise in skin cancer due to increased UV exposure from climate change is claiming the lives of young people with albinism, particularly in Africa. Sunscreen is a simple, life-saving solution, yet it remains out of reach for many. By signing this petition urging the World Health Organization to return sunscreen to its essential medicines list, we can make it more affordable and accessible. UV-induced skin cancer is the leading cause of death among people with albinism, and this petition is a critical step toward preventing these senseless deaths.”

In a report to the UN in 2023, the Independent Expert on Albinism highlighted that “Sunscreen is not a cosmetic product for people with albinism – it is a life-saving medical product that can prolong and improve the quality of life for many who don’t have the means to afford it”. Panellists at the petition launch highlighted how sunscreen costs between $15-$20, which is around the amount that many families make. Many families have to think, “do we eat or do we buy sunscreen?” Putting sunscreen on the WHO essential drugs list would regulate the cost and push states to legislate and ensure that it reaches the rural areas where those additionally marginalised live.

David Bainbridge, Executive Director of CBM Global, says:

“CBM Global is deeply committed to this important climate justice campaign led by the Africa Albinism Network. On top of the deplorable level of discrimination and brutality faced by people with albinism, the impacts of climate change pose an existential threat. According to one estimate close to 90 percent of people with albinism contract or die from skin cancer by their 40th birthday. For people with albinism, sunscreen is truly a life-saving medical product.”

Ivy Kihara, Board Member of CBM Global, says:

“Imagine a situation where as a person you do the least to create a crisis but you are the most affected by it? This is the reality for us as people with albinism who suffer the most from the climate crisis. Adding sunscreen to the Essential Medicines List will make all the difference – bringing what is essential to those who can least afford it and are most affected.”

How can we all help? Please sign up to Africa Albinism Network’s petition. It so far has just under 3,000 signatures with the goal of 10,000 signatures by the end of 2024. CBM Global will be joining with African Albinism Network at the COP29 climate conference to highlight the petition to delegates.

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