Last week, Fiji joined the global movement to recognise International Albinism Awareness Day by spotlighting and celebrating its often-overlooked albinism community.
Sabina Moce, a young person living with albinism (PLWA), noted that the week “creates opportunities … to network, catch up and share what we’ve been through,” highlighting how valuable such visibility is for the community.
Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa revealed that approximately one in every 700 Fijians may have albinism – far higher than the global average of 1 in 20,000.
In response, the Ministry of Health allocated $200,000 to improve skin cancer screening and outreach across urban and rural areas.
Moreover, Fiji has become the first nation worldwide to provide free sunscreen to people with albinism, with registrations now in place at Twomey Hospital.
Education was also a focus, with workshops for teachers giving them tools to better support PLWA in classrooms, addressing low vision, social inclusion, and ensuring tinted seating or large-print materials are available.
