Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has been urged to establish an Albinism Resilience Fund to provide targeted support for people with albinism and other disabilities including access to free sunscreen lotions, cancer screening and improved protection against the effects of climate change.
Senator Annah Shiri, who represents Persons with Disabilities in Parliament, made the call during the ongoing 2027 Pre-Budget Seminar in Bulawayo on Friday, saying people with albinism required special attention in the forthcoming National Budget.
She said the inclusion of people with albinism in the 2022 Population and Housing Census for the first time provided an important basis for Government to develop targeted interventions addressing their needs.
Senator Shiri said people with albinism were particularly vulnerable to the effects of the prevailing climate conditions and required adequate protection and support.
“Persons with albinism were counted in the centers for the first time in 2022 population and housing centers.
“We should be seeing doing something for this group especially in the current climate situation in which they face greater impact.
“They have also been failing to get tax rebates on vehicles together with other persons with disabilities,” she said.
Senator Shiri said the proposed fund would help finance interventions aimed at improving the health and welfare of people with albinism, particularly through the provision of sunscreen lotions and access to cancer screening services.
She said Government should also consider supporting local production of sunscreen lotions to improve availability and affordability, while reducing reliance on imported products.
“The albinism funds would be good especially for giving free sunscreen lotions even looking into the local production of sunscreen and also cancer screening for people with albinism and also on the rebates, we kindly ask for 100% rebates on cars to cater for people with disabilities,” she said.
The proposed fund would provide a dedicated financing mechanism for addressing the specific needs of people with albinism, complementing broader disability support programmes.
People with albinism face increased risks of skin damage and skin cancer due to reduced melanin, which provides natural protection against ultraviolet radiation.
Access to sunscreen, regular skin examinations and appropriate health services is therefore important in reducing preventable health complications.
Senator Shiri’s call comes as Government prepares the 2027 National Budget, with the Pre-Budget Seminar providing a platform for Parliamentarians and other stakeholders to make proposals on national spending priorities.
The proposed interventions would also support efforts to ensure that people with disabilities benefit from inclusive development and social protection measures.
Her appeal for 100 percent vehicle rebates for people with disabilities seeks to ease the cost of acquiring vehicles, which can be essential for mobility, access to healthcare and participation in economic activities.
The establishment of an Albinism Resilience Fund would require Government to consider its financing, administration and the range of interventions to be supported, as part of broader efforts to strengthen disability-inclusive public spending.
Senator Shiri said targeted support was necessary to ensure people with albinism were not left behind as the country responds to climate-related challenges and pursues economic development.
