NGO begins data capturing of Persons with Albinism in Edo

The Initiative for Advancement of the Albinism Cause (INAAC), a Non Governmental Organisation, said that it had begun preliminary work to colliate database of Persons with Albinism (PWAs) in Edo.

Miss Joy Odigie, Founder of INAAC, based in Edo, said this in an interview with our correspondent in Benin on Monday.

Odigie said that a database of PWA was necessary to plan for their welfare as well as to know how best resources could be allocated to them.

“As an NGO working to improve the welfare of PWA, having a database will help us know the number of persons that fall into these categories.

“We are starting our pilot phase in Edo and hope to replicate it in neighbouring states.

“Data is needed to ensure better planning; we want to develop responses that are targeted to specific needs of these persons.” She said.

Odigie said that not every person with Albinism was poor or lacked access to eyes and skin care.

“We want to know those that are poor, those that live in rural and urban areas; what they do for a living and the peculiar challenges they face.

“We want to also know those that can afford and have access to sunscreen products,” she said.

The founder said that the organisation had started conversation with relevant stakeholders on the implementation of the project.

“We are reaching out to the state government as well as the 18 Local governments in the state to get their collaboration,” she said.

Our correspondent reports that the core objective of INAAC is to inspire PWAs to overcome barriers through the access to eyes, skin care, education and empowerment.