PEOPLE living with albinism in Fiji will benefit from a more coordinated approach to healthcare and support services as the Ministry of Health and Medical Services strengthens its response to the challenges they face.
Speaking at the International Albinism Awareness Day celebration at Ratu Sukuna Park in Suva yesterday, Director of Hospital Services Dr Mike Kama said people with albinism continued to face significant health and social barriers.
“People with albinism face unique and lifelong challenges,” he said.
“These included, visual impairment, increased susceptibility to ultraviolet radiation that leads to skin cancer, and psychosocial challenges linked to stigma and discrimination.”
He said the risks were even greater in Fiji and other tropical countries where sun exposure remained high throughout the year.
“In tropical countries like Fiji, where sun exposure is intense all year round, these risks are even more significant.”
Dr Kama said the ministry was committed to improving care and support services for people living with albinism.
“These are not conditions we cannot manage. They’re conditions we must manage better, earlier, and more consistently.”
He said the ministry was working towards a comprehensive service package that would include early identification and registration into care systems, routine skin and eye examinations among other services.
“The Ministry of Health and Medical Services remains fully committed to strengthening the national response to albinism through a more coordinated, structured, and sustainable approach,” Dr Kama said.
He added that registered people living with albinism continued to receive free sunscreen and other protective items while the ministry invested in strengthening Fiji’s dermatology workforce to improve the early diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions, including skin cancer.
