Stanbic hands over ZWL38 million worth of protection products to people with albinism

Harare (New Ziana) –Financial services institution, Stanbic Bank has handed over an assortment of sun protection products worth ZW$38.5 million to the Albino Charity Organization of Zimbabwe (ALCOZ).

The Standard Bank Group subsidiary donated 1 000 units each of sunscreen lotion, antibacterial soap, antiseptic liquid, lip balm and sunhats.

Stanbic Bank manager for events and sponsorship, Lucy Dlodlo said the donation was one of the institution’s most important calendar events owing to the extent that it benefits people living with albinism.

She said the predicament of people living with albinism is often taken for granted yet they have serious needs given their skin condition.

“Stanbic Bank has taken it upon itself to meet the needs of people living with albinism. It is not a coincidence that our partnership is now in its 8th year, we are very intentional about putting smiles on the faces of these young girls and boys whose skin is sensitive to the weather elements, particularly the sun,” she said.

Dlodlo said having started in 2015, the partnership with ALCOZ is even more critical now given the changing climatic conditions caused by global warming.

She said Stanbic Bank fully understands that the cost of purchasing the skin protection products is prohibitive, hence the institution is happy to offer a helping hand to ALCOZ.

Accepting the donation, ALCOZ projects manager, George Mafararikwa said the gesture by Stanbic Bank leaves an indelible mark in the lives of the albino society.

He commended the bank for leading the way in the fight against stigma, discrimination and misconceptions surrounding albinism.

“Stanbic Bank has set a pace which we, as ALCOZ, wish other corporate partners could imitate. The albinism population is above 40 000 hence the need for more partners coming onboard to support this worthy cause. Stanbic Bank is doing their best, more so on a yearly basis. We are grateful for their passion to assist the needy in our society,” he said.

Mafararikwa said the donation was fitting as it comes a few weeks before the world commemorates International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) on 13 June 2023.

“With this gesture, we are going to carry out the IAAD commemorations in jubilation,” he said.

Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited condition which occurs worldwide regardless of ethnicity or gender. It commonly results in the lack of melanin in the hair, skin, and eyes, causing vulnerability to sun exposure.

People with albinism need protection from the harmful effects of the sun owing to the lack of melanin in their skin, which serves as a shield from the sun.

They rely on sunscreen lotions, special oils and lip balm for protection.

New Ziana