The Member of Parliament for Garu and a Member of the Health Committee, Dr. Thomas Anaba, has cautioned against skin bleaching, describing the practice as a form of “self-induced albinism.”
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, June 12, to mark International Albinism Awareness Day, he drew a comparison between individuals born with albinism and those who alter their skin colour through the use of bleaching products.
According to him, while persons with albinism face challenges linked to the natural absence of melanin, some individuals deliberately expose themselves to similar health risks through bleaching.
“We have seen people inducing self albinism in themselves who are not discriminated. People who buy medications, buy creams, buy drugs to clear their skins to look whiter and fairer,” he said.
He warned that individuals who engage in bleaching may be exposing themselves to long-term health complications, including skin diseases and cancer.
“Those who are acquiring this self induced albinism should be cautious because they may be inducing themselves in acquiring a disease that we all have to find money for them to treat when they fall sick of cancer,” he said
He added that the health risks associated with skin depigmentation should be a concern for public education and awareness, stressing the need for caution regarding the use of such products.
