The Albinism Society of South Africa (ASSA) Ekurhuleni hosted an informative health workshop at St John’s Anglican Church in Putfontein on May 13 for parents and adults living with albinism.
ASSA members from branches including Thembisa, Vosloorus, Tsakane, Boksburg and Watville were also in attendance.
According to Daveyton ASSA representative Shoki Kekana, the workshop was aimed at empowering parents on how to take care of their children who are living with albinism.
Parents were also advised to teach their children to be confident and not to feel inferior because of their skin colour.
One of the speakers, optometrist Maake Moraka of Tambo Memorial Hospital, said from his observation those living with albinism in Gauteng have support and more access to healthcare compared to other provinces.
He elaborated on why people living with albinism are having challenges with their eyes. He encouraged them to get their eyes assessed so that they get help according to their eye care needs.
Sindile Makha shared that she has had four laser eye surgeries to improve her eyesight after she was told that by the age of 50 years, she’ll be blind.
Another speaker, a professional healthcare nurse who works at Chief Albert Luthuli Clinic, Teresa Baskiti, encouraged attendees to practise hand hygiene to avoid the transmission of harmful germs and infections.
“Some of the services which are accessible at the clinic include social workers, optometrists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and psychologists. At Chief Albert Luthuli Clinic these doctors come every Tuesday.”
Now that it’s the winter season, most children experience upper respiratory tract infections like tonsils, ear infections, ringworms, and mumps.
She encouraged parents to have their children vaccinated against measles.
To attend these support groups to assist parents to care for their children who are living with albinism contact Kekana on 071 504 9447 or Mpho Chiloane on 064 169 5003.
The meetings are held every second week of every month at St Johns Anglican Church in Putfontein.
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