Ensign Global University, in collaboration with Engage Now Africa, has commemorated International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) 2026 with a stakeholder engagement programme aimed at strengthening inclusion, raising awareness and improving health outcomes for persons with albinism in Ghana.

The commemoration took place on 12 June 2026 at the CLIP Foyer of Ensign Global University in Kpong.

It brought together persons with albinism, healthcare professionals, educators, policymakers, researchers, students, civil society organisations and media representatives.

The event was designed to foster multi-sectoral dialogue and coordinated action on the rights, health needs, and social inclusion of persons with albinism.

International Albinism Awareness Day is observed globally on 13 June each year to highlight the lived experiences of persons with albinism and to promote advocacy for dignity, protection and equal opportunity.

In Ghana, persons with albinism continue to face intersecting challenges, including heightened risk of skin cancer and visual impairment, as well as stigma, discrimination, and barriers to accessing appropriate healthcare and education.

The IAAD 2026 commemoration provided a platform for evidence-informed dialogue and stakeholder engagement aimed at strengthening national responses to these challenges.

It also facilitated the dissemination of findings from a 2025 joint study conducted by Ensign Global University and Engage Now Africa on albinism-related health and social outcomes.

The event featured keynote addresses and technical presentations from institutional leaders and experts, including Prof Stephen Manortey, Dr Sandra Boatemaa Kushitor, Eastern Regional Director of Social Welfare Isaac Asante, Director of the Ghana Association of Persons with Albinism Newton K. Katseku, Dr Philip Peprah, Irina Ofei, Cecilia Amankwah, Dr Jeannette Aryee-Boi, Dr. Boateng Wiafe, Madam Janet Adenyo, and Andrew Daklo.

As part of the programme, representatives from IBA Beauty also provided free sunscreen samples to persons with albinism and other participants.

On this International Albinism Awareness Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that persons with albinism have access to good health, quality education and equitable opportunities.

Ensign Global University remains committed to reducing barriers to healthcare access as a key pillar of national development, as demonstrated through our research, collaborations, and advocacy efforts.

Through strong partnerships with organisations such as Engage Now Africa, we continue to advance initiatives that improve health outcomes and promote prosperity among persons with albinism in Ghana.

Persons with albinism deserve respect, protection, and everyday acts of inclusion whether through accessible healthcare, inclusive education and employment opportunities, or simple gestures of friendship and support.

Together, we can challenge harmful myths, stand against discrimination and violence, and build communities where persons with albinism can thrive without fear or prejudice. Supporting inclusion affirms that every individual has equal value and dignity.

On behalf of Engage Now Africa, I extend sincere appreciation to Ensign Global University and all partners for convening this important dialogue on International Albinism Awareness Day 2026. This platform reflects a shared commitment to advancing dignity, health, and inclusion for persons with albinism in Ghana.

We continue to observe both the resilience of persons with albinism and the persistent barriers they face, particularly in accessing healthcare, protection, and social acceptance. These challenges are not inevitable—they are shaped by systems and attitudes that we collectively have the responsibility to change.

Findings from our joint work underscore the urgent need for coordinated, multi-sectoral action that moves beyond awareness to concrete interventions. Through sustained collaboration with government, academia, health professionals, and civil society, we can strengthen skin cancer prevention, improve access to inclusive services, and promote environments where persons with albinism are fully recognised as equal members of society.

Engage Now Africa remains committed to ensuring that inclusion is not aspirational, but a lived reality.

Eastern Regional Director of Social Welfare, Isaac Asante

Celebrating all skin tones must go beyond symbolism; it requires deliberate and sustained action.

This includes inclusive education systems where children with albinism can learn safely and confidently, access to essential healthcare services such as eye care and skin protection, strong social protection systems, and the enforcement of laws that protect against discrimination and violence.

As a ministry committed to social welfare, we recognise that inclusion is central to national development. A society that values all skin tones is one that upholds human rights, diversity, and shared progress.

Persons with albinism continue to make meaningful contributions in education, the arts, public service, and advocacy, strengthening our communities and inspiring change.

Newton K. Katseku, Ghana Association of Persons with Albinism

International Albinism Awareness Day 2026 highlights the need to uphold the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with albinism.

Despite progress in awareness, significant challenges remain in healthcare, education, employment, social protection, and protection from discrimination. We call on all stakeholders to strengthen efforts to ensure equal opportunities and access to essential services, including sunscreen and low-vision support.

The Ghana Association of Persons with Albinism remains committed to advancing policies and programmes that promote the well-being and full inclusion of persons with albinism.

Dr Sandra Boatemaa Kushitor

Findings from our three-year research with persons with albinism indicate that many continue to experience discrimination linked to skin colour.

We recommend equitable access to healthcare, education, protection, and livelihood opportunities. Through collective engagement and sustained awareness creation, we can challenge misconceptions and promote dignity and inclusion.

Creating inclusive systems for persons with albinism requires strong collaboration between academia, healthcare institutions, government agencies, and communities.

This commemoration provides an important opportunity to strengthen awareness and promote evidence-based action.

The programme is expected to convene 80–100 participants, including persons with albinism, health workers, Ensign Global University faculty and students, teachers, representatives of government ministries and agencies, civil society organisations, and members of the media.

Overall, the engagement focused on strengthening awareness, enhancing cross-sector collaboration, and promoting inclusive health and education systems for persons with albinism in Ghana.