Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge has urged Namibians to move beyond awareness and take deliberate action to protect and empower persons with albinism.
 
Iipinge was speaking at the commemoration of National Albinism Awareness Day at Oshakati.
 
Iipinge said every Namibian deserves equal opportunities, protection and participation in society, regardless.

He said the Constitution guarantees equality and prohibits discrimination, compelling the nation to create a society where diversity is embraced.
 
Ipinge called for an end to stigmatisation.
 
“We must continue to educate our communities, challenge myths and misinformation, and foster a culture of respect and acceptance. We must ensure that persons with albinism are represented in decision-making processes and that their voices are heard when policies affecting their lives are developed. Above all, we must recognise that inclusion is not an act of charity. It is a matter of human rights and social justice.”
 
The governor's office pledged N$5,000 to support people with albinism.
 
The Vice President of People Living with Albinism, Walde Kambabi, thanked the government for providing treatment for them.
 
Kambabi however, urged the government to decentralise outreach programmes especially in remote areas.
 
“We all know that skin cancer is increasing among people with albinism; therefore, we urge all people with albinism to take good care of themselves as well as those guardians taking care of their family members with albinism.”
 
A Gospel artist, Sovita Joshua, said that despite efforts, people with albinism still face discrimination.
 
“We are just people like you; we have different colours but at the end of the day we are just people. We are not creatures or animals. So today I want to encourage somebody with albinism: don't give up; you are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God.”
 
She encouraged attendees to be goal-orientated and to take their education seriously to support themselves.