Surgery to remove pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions and tumours can cost from £120 to £1,000 per person. We have a waiting list of over 100 people who require urgent surgery.

'Studies in Africa suggest that most People with Albinism die from skin cancer between the ages of 30 and 40'. (Report by I.Ero, Independent Expert for the United Nations, 2015).

We are fundraising for the costs to cover surgeries which range from around £120 for removal of skin lesions to £1,000 per person depending on the number of operations required, the medication cost and the care required for recovery. Patients in Sierra Leone must cover hospital costs such as food, medication, sutures etc. In 2022 a patient who we supported was in hospital for over four months and the costs were more than £1,500. The removal of lesions and tumours through surgery are the only options available; this means that urgent action is required before cancer spreads to other parts of the body.

It is estimated that over 80% of Persons With Albinism in Sierra Leone will die an early death from skin cancer. In the last four years MASL has supported People with Albinism to have treatment and surgery for cancer; sadly most people come forward too late for the limited cancer treatment available locally (surgical options only are available) and often palliative care is the only support that can be offered. These deaths are PREVENTABLE with adequate sun protection eg hats, long sleeve clothing, trousers/long skirts, and sunglasses. We are pleased to receive sunscreen from Altruist and always need help with shipping these pallets from Europe. Please consider supporting these essential costs which are increasing the life expectancy of People with Albinism in Sierra Leone.