21 Nov 2022

Tshimologo Association for the Albinism Community chairperson in Ngamiland District, Mr Stephen David has hailed Maun Stanbic Bank branch for demonstrating love and care towards the Albinism community.

Bank staff donated protective goods that included sunscreens, wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves clothes worth P20 000 to the albinism community.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony, Mr David thanked Stanbic staff for partnering with Ngami District Health Management Team to ensure they had access to protective resources.

He said people living with albinism faced a variety of challenges as financial constraints, which made it difficult for them to finance their medical care and other needs.

“The resources we use such as sunscreens and eye glasses are very expensive and majority of us are economically challenged to afford them,” stated Mr David.

He appreciated assistance from Stanbic noting that it would help those living with albinism feel included since some faced discrimination and social exclusion. He also urged his fellow members to accept themselves and utilize services availed to them.

Stanbic general manager, Ms Gemma Webb said the bank opened doors 30 years ago to provide financial solutions to clients. She said the bank could not have achieved such without loyalty and support from clients and various stakeholders.

In celebrating their 30th anniversary, she said the bank identified initiatives through which each branch could make a positive impact. Ms Webb also appreciated DHMT efforts to provide services adding that the bank came on board to support and augment their efforts to change lives.

“We were made aware that there is an urgent need in the albinism community in the district and we believe our donation will go help improve their lives,” stated Ms Webb.

Furthermore, she called for more partnerships to assist the government in providing services to those with the condition and the less under privileged society.

DHMT coordinator, Dr Sandra Maripe-Ebutswe revealed that albinism condition was caused by a deficit in the production of a pigment called melanin which protected the skin against ultraviolet light and provided the skin with its colour production.

Albinism, she said could predispose people to lifelong physical and health problems such as vision impairment and ultraviolet skin damage which could lead to skin cancer.

She thanked Stanbic staff for extending a helping hand to the albinism community noting that lack of resources was a serious challenge among them. The district, she said registered 50 people living with albinism and promised that the donation would reach all the beneficiaries.

However, she appealed to those living with albinism to reduce movements especially during the day between 10am and 4pm where possible, wear long sleeves clothes, hats as well as to honour their check-ups since their skin needed to be examined once every year. ends