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Global Forum Calls for Action on Skin Cancer Prevention in Persons with Albinism

24 Apr 2026

New report outlines key priorities, practical solutions and next steps following the first international forum dedicated to this issue.

PWA Forum 2025 Group Photo

A new international report is calling for coordinated action to strengthen skin cancer prevention and management for persons with albinism worldwide.

The World Forum on Skin Cancer Prevention and Management in Persons with Albinism, held in Cape Town, South Africa, brought together dermatologists, public health experts, advocates, researchers, policymakers and people with lived experience from 30 countries. The forum created an important platform to share expertise, highlight successful models of care and identify practical priorities for future action.

The forum was hosted through a partnership between the International League of Dermatological Societies, the Global Albinism Alliance, and Standing Voice, reflecting the importance of collaboration across clinical leadership, advocacy and community-centred action.

Download & read

the World Forum on Skin Cancer Prevention and Management in Persons with Albinism Post-Meeting Report

Click here

The forum should be a starting point, not a one-off event.

Skin cancer remains a serious and often preventable health risk for many persons with albinism, particularly in high UV settings and areas where access to prevention, early diagnosis and treatment may be limited. The report highlights the need for stronger awareness, improved services, better data and greater policy recognition of this issue.

Prevention Must Be Central

A key message from the forum was that prevention must sit at the heart of any response.

The report highlights the importance of regular access to sunscreen, shade structures, sun-protective clothing, early education on UV exposure risks, routine skin checks and timely treatment of pre-cancerous lesions. Participants also welcomed the inclusion of sunscreen for persons with albinism on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, recognising its potential to support national advocacy and access efforts.

Effective solutions already exist but must be scaled, coordinated and embedded into policy and health systems.

Proven Models Already Exist

The forum showcased successful initiatives already making a difference in several countries.

Examples shared included integrated dermatology networks in Tanzania and Malawi, community-led programmes in Côte d’Ivoire, government-supported approaches in Fiji and the Pacific, and long standing associations advocating for national policy in Brazil and Latin America. These examples demonstrate that effective, scalable solutions are possible when prevention, healthcare access and community leadership are brought together.

Global Collaboration and Local Leadership

Participants emphasised that sustainable progress will require stronger coordination across global, regional and national levels, alongside meaningful leadership from persons with albinism in shaping policies and programmes that affect them.

The report also calls for stronger partnerships, improved data systems, healthcare worker training, and inclusion of albinism-related skin cancer risks within national health strategies.

Prevention and early care are medically more effective, as well as more cost-effective, than treating advanced disease.

Looking Ahead

The forum concluded that this should be a starting point for continued collaboration, accountability and long-term progress.

Next steps identified include development of a global action plan, future publications, and continued engagement between clinicians, advocates, researchers and communities worldwide.

Read the Report

We invite our members, partners and wider community to read the full post-meeting report and help amplify awareness of this important issue.

Read the report here

Skin cancer in persons with albinism is a preventable global health emergency and a human rights issue.

Organised & Supported by

The world forum is a joint initiative, organised by three organisations: the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), the Global Albinism Alliance (GAA) and Standing Voice (SV) and is supported by the Pierre Fabre Foundation.

We are also grateful for the support of ISDIN, who helps make this Forum possible.