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Albinism Foundation in Africa

Helps people with albinism to protect themselves from
the sun

Sun protection for people
with albinism in Africa

The Stichting Albinisme in Afrika (SAA) puts people with albinism in Africa back in society by helping them to protect themselves against the sun.

We are a pragmatic foundation with an eye for a marginalized minority in many African countries; we provide suncream with sunblock for people with albinism. These suncream are usually donated to us, we arrange the transport ourselves and we have contacts in Africa to ensure that the suncream gets to the right people.

© Gerrit Doelman

What is albinism?

Albinism is a genetic disorder in which not enough of the pigment melanin is made. The light skin of people with albinism and the constant presence of UV radiation in Africa have a major impact on the skin. Albinism has several variants, namely four different types of oculocutaneous albinism and ocular albinism. Oculocutaneous albinism affects the eyes (ocular) and the skin (cutaneous). This type of albinism is the most common. Ocular albinism relates to the eyes and often involves motoric eye twitches that may be accompanied by reduced visual acuity. Ocular albinism occurs in approximately 1 in 50,000 people.

Sometimes albinism is also accompanied by a specific syndrome. There are three types of albinism that are associated with a specific syndrome. These occur (extremely) rarely.

 

For these reasons the Albinism Foundation in Africa focuses on providing UV protection such as suncream, suncaps and sunglasses.

Our work

The working method of the Albinism Foundation in Africa is as simple as it is effective. People with albinism in Africa benefit most from a good suncream of at least factor 30 to protect their vulnerable skin. In this way, they do not have to stay indoors, but can really become part of where African life is mostly played out; outdoors!

With a large group of volunteers, the foundation collects as many bottles of suncream as possible, especially from suncream producers and suppliers. Several times a year transports take place to various African countries. Besides suncream, sunglasses, UV protective clothing, UV protective lip balm, caps and other products are often also sent. In addition, the foundation also supports a few projects where volunteers in Africa produce suncream with sunblock themselves.

The aim of the Albinism Foundation in Africa is to improve the quality of life of people with albinism in Africa by supplying resources and supporting local production projects.

Countries where we are active

Uganda

Tanzania

Guinea-Bissau

Mali

Zambia

Kenya

Malawi

Senegal

Lesotho

Togo

Ivory Coast

Albinism Foundation in Africa - who are we?

The Albinism Foundation in Africa has been working since 2004 for more than 4500 people with albinism in Africa. Daily exposure to the sun causes many skin problems and skin cancer to people with albinism. The goal of the foundation is to improve the quality of life of these people.

SAA is a non-profit organization that functions entirely based on monetary donations and donations of sun protection products. We are very grateful to our partners and sponsors for their support and assistance.

A group of around 40 volunteers makes it possible for over 4500 people with albinism in Africa to receive suncream on a regular basis. It is a dedicated group of people who in their spare time do unpaid work for the Albinism Foundation in Africa.

Contact - do you have a question?

If you have any questions, you can also fill in our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Or just send us an email: info@albinisme-afrika.nl

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