On the occasion of World Albinism Awareness Day, celebrated this Saturday, June 13 in Thiès, the spokesperson for the National Association of Albinos of Senegal (ANAS), Ousseynou Sène, launched a vibrant plea for respect for the rights and inclusion of people with albinism.

Addressing authorities, partners, and civil society actors, he denounced the prejudices and discrimination that people with albinism continue to face in Senegal. "We are not a medical case, but full-fledged Senegalese citizens," he declared, lamenting the stigmatization and hurtful labels that still affect the dignity of those concerned.

The spokesperson for ANAS particularly emphasized the difficulties many people with albinism face in accessing employment, despite their skills and qualifications. He called on the government to implement concrete measures such as employment quotas and workplace accommodations tailored to the challenges associated with albinism.

Other major challenges mentioned include limited access to dermatological and ophthalmological care, the high cost of sunscreens and protective equipment, obstacles to inclusive education, and difficulties with economic integration.

Faced with this situation, ANAS has formulated several recommendations to the State of Senegal, including the implementation of a specific national policy in favor of people with albinism, the sustainable subsidizing of sun protection products and the strengthening of access to specialized care throughout the territory.

The association also appealed to actors in the education system, technical and financial partners, the media and Senegalese society in order to promote better inclusion and to fight against stereotypes.

One of the highlights of this celebration was the announcement of progress made in the project to establish a sunscreen manufacturing unit adapted to the needs of people with albinism. The result of a collaboration with the Higher Polytechnic School of UCAD, this initiative aims to make these products more accessible and to sustainably improve the living conditions of those who benefit from them.

Ousseynou Sène praised the commitment of the First Lady, Marie Khone Faye, whose support gave decisive impetus to the project, as well as that of its other partners.

He also highlighted the project to create a boarding school for children with albinism aged 5 to 12, which should promote their education, health monitoring and social integration.

Concluding his speech, the ANAS spokesperson called for building a more inclusive Senegal, where no person with albinism would be a victim of exclusion or discrimination.