The Albinism Society of Kenya on Thursday launched their much anticipated Plant- based sunscreen.
People living with albinism in the country are set to benefit from the new plant-based sunscreen.
The sunscreen will go a long way in helping them to protect themselves from Ultraviolet rays. The product is non-chemical and prevents skin cancer.
ASK chairperson Isaac Mwaura said most people with albinism die young due to skin cancer.
He said the challenges that the albino community go through are diverse and the country needs to implement policies to protect them.
"When people differ with you, they attack you on the basis of your disabilities. We have seen people who have lived up to their nineties. The idea that people with albinism die prematurely is because of skin cancer. It is not a natural death," he said.
The launch was in partnership with Linton Cosmetics which seeks to create awareness of the health of Albinos.
Albinism is an inherited genetic condition that reduces the amount of melanin pigment formed in the skin, hair or eyes of a person.
Melanin pigment is responsible for a person's skin colour. It is also responsible for tanning when the skin is exposed to direct and excess sunlight.
A number of Children with Albinism are born to parents who have normal hair and eye colour as their physical appearance.
According to ASK, there are two types of Albinism.
One is oculocutaneous albinism which is a uniquely inherited genetic disorder characterized by less or complete lack of melanin in the skin, eyes and hair.
Another ocular albinism that primarily affects a person's eyes. This condition reduces the colouring pigmentation of the iris, which is the coloured part of the eye.
Mwaura said ASK has made progress to create employment for persons with albinism.
He added that the society focuses on five major areas which include Niko na Haki for advocacy, Huduma Bora for service delivery, Imarisha Masomo for education, Linda Afya for health and Ajira which helps in employment.
He said that since ASK was formed 17 years ago, the plight of persons with disabilities has considerably changed.
Mwaura said the group will hold an albinism festival that will include film, literature, sports and beauty pageant.
The partnership between Lintons and ASK saw albinos given free sunscreens during the launch.
Pharmacist and founder of Lintons Pharmacy Joyce Gikunda said Kenyans should be at the forefront in creating awareness.
"We have treated many girls 16 to 18 years. We had the remedy to prevent skin diseases and we came up with cosmetic medicine," she said.
Gikunda added that the plant-based sunscreen costs Sh2, 500 but with a special card from Lintons Cosmetic, it will be sold at half price at Sh1, 225.
During the launch, Waridi Eyewear donated free sunglasses to ASK to help them protect from UV rays.
