Govt to provide free skin care products for people with albinism

What the report says

Nile Post reported that Uganda’s Ministry of Health plans to make skin care products available free of charge to people with albinism through public health facilities across the country. The announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting at Hotel Africana in Kampala, where participants reviewed a five-year strategic plan addressing issues affecting the albinism community.

According to the report, Dr Moses Muwanga, the Commissioner for Disability Affairs, said the ministry is working to ensure the products are stocked in government health facilities nationwide. He said the move is intended to ease access to essential products and reduce the financial strain on people with albinism, who often need specialised protection for their skin. He also urged people with albinism to use public health services, noting that they are entitled to care like other citizens.

The meeting included organisations that advocate for the rights and welfare of people with albinism. Olive Namutebi, Executive Director of Albinism Umbrella, welcomed the government’s commitment but said discrimination and the high cost of skin care products remain major concerns. Agnes Nampeera, from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, called for closer cooperation between government, communities and other stakeholders to advance inclusion.

The policy matters because people with albinism can face heightened vulnerability to sun-related skin damage and often require regular protective products. Nile Post reported that the planned distribution is expected to improve access to specialised care and help address some health-related barriers faced by the community.