11 Dec 2017

Fiji urged to help people with albinism "out of the shadows"

3:18 pm on 11 December 2017

A UN expert has urged Fiji to make sunscreen an essential medicine to help Fiji's large population of people with albinism.

Sisi, a young Fijian girl who lives with albinism stars in the short film "Coming Out of the Shadows."

Sisi, a young Fijian girl who lives with albinism stars in the short film "Coming Out of the Shadows." Photo: Supplied/Christine Nestel

Funding for better sun protection is among recommendations by the UN expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism, Ikponwosa Ero, who has visited Fij.

One in 17-thousand people have the pigmentation disorder world-wide, but in Fiji the rate is estimated to be one in 7-hundred.

Ms Ero said discrimination, stigmatisation and isolation of people with albinism still persists in Fiji.

She's recommended programmes to raise awareness and a nationwide survey to find out the causes of discrimination and stigma.

Esala Eseru, 14, features in the film "Coming out of the Shadows."

Esala Eseru, 14, features in the film "Coming out of the Shadows." Photo: Supplied/Christine Nestel

She's also called for improved specialist services to deal with their skin cancer risk and eyesight problems as well as funding for vital supplies like sunscreen, hats and glasses.

"The discussion of issues relating to people with albinism in Fiji is relatively new," said Ms Ero.

"I am convinced that my visit has sparked a process of introspection and realization of the need to bring this group within Fijian society out of the shadows and private suffering and into the national consciousness."

Ms Ero, who visited Suva, Nadi and Rakiraki, is expected to produce a full report and recommendations to Fiji at the Human Rights Council in March 2019.

Suva, the capital of Fiji

Suva, the capital of Fiji Photo: 123RF