The initiative is aimed at improving access to essential healthcare services and reducing the financial burden faced by people with albinism who require specialised skin protection products.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting to review a five-year strategic plan at Hotel Africana in Kampala, the Commissioner for Disability Affairs, Dr Moses Muwanga, said the ministry was working to ensure the products become available in government health facilities countrywide.
“The Ministry is working to ensure that skin care products for people with albinism are available in public health facilities across the country free of charge. This will reduce the challenges they face in accessing these essential products,” Muwanga said.
He encouraged people with albinism to seek medical services from government facilities, saying they are entitled to the same healthcare as other Ugandans.
The meeting brought together organisations advocating for the rights and welfare of people with albinism to discuss challenges affecting the community and possible solutions.
Olive Namutebi, the Executive Director of Albinism Umbrella, welcomed the government’s commitment but said more interventions are needed to address persistent challenges, including discrimination and the high cost of skin care products.
“Although progress has been made, people with albinism continue to face discrimination, while many cannot afford the expensive skin care products they need. More still needs to be done,” Namutebi said.
Agnes Nampeera, an official from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, called for stronger collaboration between government and communities to promote inclusion and support people with albinism.
“People with albinism should not underestimate themselves. They should come forward, work together with government and other stakeholders, and demonstrate their abilities,” Nampeera said.
The planned distribution of free skin care products is expected to support people with albinism in managing skin-related risks, including exposure to harmful effects of sunlight, while improving their access to specialised healthcare services.