Kinshasa, June 14th, 2026 (CPA).- The involvement of the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was requested on Saturday in Kinshasa to support funding for organizations assisting persons with albinism (PWA), during a ceremony marking the International Albinism Awareness Day.
“I believe that Head of State Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo must become more actively involved. He initiated the first colloquium on albinism, but that is not enough. There should be a dedicated service capable of subsidizing organizations that genuinely work on the ground for persons with albinism. That would represent real progress after more than a decade of advocacy,” said Yan Mambo, initiator of the Fièrement Ndundu festival. He explained that the lack of melanin exposes persons with albinism to skin cancer and reduces their life expectancy to between 30 and 40 years.
“The absence of melanin means that persons with albinism are extremely vulnerable to skin cancer. In some countries, the majority of persons with albinism die from skin cancer between the ages of 30 and 40,” he said. Mr. Mambo stressed that skin cancer is highly preventable when persons with albinism are able to fully exercise their right to health, including access to regular medical check-ups, sunscreen, sunglasses and protective clothing against the sun. He noted, however, that in many countries, including the DRC, such resources remain inaccessible, hence the appeal made on this occasion. For her part, Rayana Mboma, a member of the Mwimba Texas Foundation, urged her peers to build self-confidence, emphasizing that persons with albinism are individuals capable of making significant contributions to society. “What we should take away from this day is that we must be proud of our skin, proud of being unique and proud of being ourselves. We are full members of society and must have confidence not only in God but also in ourselves and in the abilities He has given us,” she said.
Advocacy for access to appropriate dermatological care
Participants in the awareness day
Meanwhile, Glody Mwimba, President of the Mwimba Texas Foundation, called for easier access to appropriate dermatological care for persons with albinism. “The Mwimba Texas Foundation calls on public authorities to strengthen social protection policies, improve access to dermatological care, ensure the availability of sun protection products, expand access to education and promote the professional integration of persons with albinism. We also advocate for continuous awareness campaigns in schools, the media and communities to combat the false beliefs and stereotypes that continue to fuel stigma,” he appealed. Mr. Mwimba stressed that by uniting their voices, strengths and commitments, persons with albinism affirm their collective determination to build an inclusive society where every individual, regardless of their differences, has the right to love, respect and justice. For his part, Merveille Ntumba, a member of the Mwimba Texas Foundation, said that the day dedicated to albinism awareness serves as a reminder of the rights and dignity of this category of society. He noted that the observance aims to raise public awareness about the challenges faced by persons with albinism and to combat the discrimination they continue to experience. The advocacy event concluded with the distribution of sunscreen creams and umbrellas to persons with albinism to help protect their skin from the sun. Condoms and other health products were also distributed to adult participants as part of the promotion of sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Held under the theme “United to Make Our Voices Heard and Build an Inclusive World,” the event brought together nearly 200 persons with albinism in the main hall of the National Multisectoral Program for the Fight against AIDS (PNMLS). It was organized by the Mwimba Texas Foundation (FMT) with the objective of raising awareness on albinism care, with particular emphasis on access to sun protection and appropriate healthcare to prevent skin cancer.