Beyond Suncare

In Sub-Saharan Africa live more than 200.000 Persons with Albinism without sun care education and access to adequate sun protection. Albinism is poorly understood in many African societies. Dehumanizing myths and superstitions surround the condition, with misconceptions leading to abandonment and violence. Persons with Albinism (PWA) are unlikely to get educated due to stigma, fear and lack of safety mechanism in schools, and they usually earn their living with menial outdoor jobs. The health consequences of the combination of high ambient UVR and prolonged outdoor periods are severe among PWA. The risk of developing skin cancer in PWA is up to 1000-fold higher than in the rest of African population. In Tanzania, where stigma is “rife” only 1 out of 10 PWA live beyond the age of 30. Sunscreen provision is alarmingly poor across Africa, most health facilities do not have sunscreens, nor offer advice on sun protection to PWA, nor is albinism included in health programs. Beyond Suncare is a leading organization in the provision of sun-protection for PWA in Sub-Saharan Africa. With the support of the leading chemical company BASF, BSC is behind the development of the first sunscreen specially designed for the prevention of skin cancer in PWA, which currently produced in Tanzania, is distributed to the most remote areas through mobile clinics, health facilities and schools. Beyond Suncare ensures the provision of education and sensitization to users and their families, promoting their insertion in society through a dignifying care that helps to raise their self-esteem and stand on their own. Staff with albinism are recruited facilitating albinism societies to co-lead distribution with local health and education professionals.