(26/07/23) MUGADISHU – The Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan Training and Research Hospital in Mogadishu, in collaboration with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TKA), has conducted a health screening programme for 35 individuals with albinism residing in the Banadir region. The event also saw the distribution of sunscreen, sunglasses, and clothes to provide necessary protection from the sun for the participants.
Albinism, a genetic condition causing a lack of pigment in the skin, eyes, or hair, is unfortunately stigmatised in some African regions due to various superstitions. Consequently, this often limits the social participation of people with albinism, creating obstacles in their pursuit of employment and educational opportunities.
The health screening and support event was attended by several high-profile individuals, including Türkiye’s Ambassador to Somalia, Ibrahim Mete Yal; TKA’s Coordinator in Somalia, lhami Turus; Director of Mogadishu Municipality Public and Social Department, Mohamed Hassan Mahamud; and Türkiye’s Counsellor for Religious Services, Mer Faruk Arslan.
Ambassador Yal voiced his satisfaction with TKA’s efforts to support the albinism community in his address, vowing continued solidarity with the Somali people. Turus outlined TKA’s extensive work across the country, from projects in education and health to infrastructure and agriculture. He highlighted that the initiative for people with albinism is part of TKA’s social responsibility projects aimed at supporting disadvantaged groups.
