The most unfortunate thing about poverty is that it robs a person of dignity. An individual living in abject poverty will do just about anything to survive including selling their voice (read vote) by taking the bribes offered during the electioneering period . This is the sad state of affairs in which we find ourselves in as a country in the present day. This coming election will be about who can we, as a people, entrust with the responsibility of restoring dignity to the over 40% of Kenyans living on less than a dollar a day!

We, as a nation with inherent dignity, do not want hand outs. Kenyans do not need Government to solve all their problems. It simply is not possible. Kenyans want a fair wage for an honest day’s work. If an individual is able and willing to work, then they should be able to live off that and nothing else. We need leadership that will usher in a new economic era for the Kenyan people.

A successful economy is not measured by how many billionaires we have. A successful economy is that in which a young college graduate can start a business and compete fairly in an open market. A successful economy is one in which lack of education does not rule you out of being able to fend for your family but hard work and determination is rewarded. A successful economy is that in which a politician cannot stand on the platform of bribery to ascend to office but one in which the said politician must provide a clear strategic plan on how he or she will create a conducive environment for honest business to grow and succeed.

We need leadership that will put Kenyan workers first. We need leadership that will reward Kenyan entrepreneurship and innovation pointing the way to a better future. We need leadership that will invest in the Kenyans and enable us to stand and compete in the international trade markets. We need tax credits for middle scale local producers so we can get as many businesses up and running as possible. In the new constitutional dispensation, it is my belief that middle scale businesses and not large industry that will drive economic growth especially in the counties.

We need a Government that is clear on the idea that there are “free” services. There is no Free Primary Education. It is paid for. By hard earned tax payers’ shillings! Labelling it as free is sheer populism. We need a leadership that works to keep its people’s heads above water so they do not feel as though they are drowning all the time. Kenyans have come to the realization that there is no free lunch! We no longer need small plans. We need big plans for a big nation. And when it comes to matters health, we need a huge plan. Kenyans want to be able to access healthcare from birth right to the very end. It is heart breaking to see a loved one suffer not just because they are sick but because of a broken healthcare system. We need investment in information technology in healthcare to significantly cut down the cost of administration in healthcare. We need to cut spending from the arbitrary writing off of special interest groups’ debts (as elections approach) as was done but a month ago with coffee farmers and re-direct that funding to hiring more doctors. Coffee farmers do not want their debts waived. Coffee farmers do not want to be in debt. Coffee farmers want fair trade for their produce and they’ll pay their own debts. Such policies are not sustainabe in the long term.

Families are tightening their belts around the country so should Treasury. We need leadership that will prioritize the review of Government budgets, line by line, eliminating those projects that do not work and re-directing those funds to the areas that do. If we are targeting double digit economic growth as a nation, we need to limit the cost of administration. Our Government is by far, bloated! We need leadership that will remodel the thinking of Kenyans on the role of Government from that of an employer to that of a facilitator. Contrary to popular opinion, Kenyans do not want a Government to work for them, Kenyans want to work for themselves!

Kind regards,
Oduwo Noah Akala
Executive Chairman,
Afya Kenya Foundation.
n.oduwo@afyakenyafoundation.org
“Providing Care That Cares!”

I must commend the Honorable Minister for her bold step in coming out with this information. She, together with her Medical Services counterpart, Hon Anyang’ Nyong’o who was last year diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, have set the pace in battling this scourge by highlighting its existence in Kenyan society and thus sensitizing the public on the same. Hon. Nyong’o even went as far as publishing insightful articles on Prostate Cancer in our local dailies.

As a result of their courage, especially considering our political landscape in which one’s health may be used as a weapon by one’s political rivals, a large number of Kenyan men now know the danger signs to look out for regarding Prostate Cancer and Kenyan Women understand the pivotal role that Breast Cancer screening plays in combating the disease.

However, this also brings to light the plight of the larger Kenyan population that does not have access to the same standards of care that our Honorable Ministers enjoy. This can be explained simply. According to the World Bank, the United States spent approximately 16.2% of their Gross Domestic Product on healthcare while Kenya spent a measly 4.2% of our GDP on the same. We, as a nation, simply do not invest enough in taking care of our sick.

In April 2001, African Union countries meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, pledged to increase government funding for health to at least 15% of their national budgets, and urged donor countries to scale up support. Only one African country has reached that target. Overall, 26 have increased the proportion of government expenditures allocated to health and 11 have reduced it since 2001. In the other 9, there is no obvious trend up or down.

In light of this, in December of last year, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union mobilized its members in a strike to agitate for change in the manner in which healthcare is administered in the country. Many Kenyans at the time did not fully comprehend the reason for this drastic action. It is my prayer that we begin to realize that we are facing a national healthcare crisis. Its time healthcare is treated as the priority it is in Kenya. With an estimated 40% of the national population living below the national poverty line, it is obvious that a large part of Kenyan society cannot afford private healthcare. We need a well oiled and efficient public health service for this portion of society.

I would therefore like to take this opportunity, as we celebrate the good health of our two healthcare Ministers, to encourage them to pursue the matter of healthcare funding. Having been on the literal front – line in the battle against disease, Kenyans will expect to see the two speak out and act for the majority. We look to your leadership Honorable Ministers.

Kind regards,
Oduwo Noah Akala
Executive Chairman,
Afya Kenya Foundation.
n.oduwo@afyakenyafoundation.org
www.afyakenyafoundation.org

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is defined as pneumonia that develops in the outpatient setting or within 48 hours of admission to a hospital.

Health-Care Associated Pneumonia (HCAP) is defined as pneumonia that develops in the outpatient setting or within 48 hours of admission to a hospital in patients with increased risk of exposure to Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) bacteria as a cause of infection.

Risk factors for exposure to MDR bacteria in HCAP include the following:
-Hospitalization for 2 or more days in an acute care facility within 90 days of current illness.
-Exposure to antibiotics, chemotherapy, or wound care within 30 days of current illness.
-Residence in a nursing home or long-term care facility.
-Hemodialysis at a hospital or clinic.
-Home nursing care (infusion therapy, wound care.)
-Contact with a family member or other close person with infection due to MDR bacteria.

Nosocomial infections are generally described as those acquired in the hospital setting.

Aspiration pneumonia develops after the inhalation of oral secretions and colonized organisms. The term aspiration pneumonia refers specifically to the development of an infectious infiltrate in patients who are at increased risk of oropharyngeal aspiration.

As previously discussed, patients at increased risk of aspiration are also at increased risk of developing pneumonia secondarily. Associated factors are as follows:
-Alcoholism.
-Altered mental status.
-Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD.)
-Seizure disorder.

The clinical presentation of bacterial pneumonia varies. Sudden onset of symptoms and rapid illness progression are associated with bacterial pneumonias. Chest pain, difficulty in breathing, coughing up blood , decreased exercise tolerance, and abdominal pain from pleuritis are also highly indicative of a pulmonary process.

The presence of cough, particularly cough productive of sputum, is the most consistent presenting symptom.

Nonspecific symptoms such as fever, rigors or shaking chills, and malaise are common. For unclear reasons, the presence of rigors may suggest pneumococcal pneumonia more often than pneumonia caused by other bacterial pathogens. Other nonspecific symptoms that may be seen with pneumonia include headache, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia and weight loss, and altered mental status.

Administration of influenza vaccine decreases fall and/or winter risk of viral influenza, which decreases the risk of bacterial superinfection. This vaccine is especially important in patients who are elderly and in those with comorbidity

A number of preventative strategies have been applied in the prevention of nosocomial pneumonia. Some of these probably are effective or promising, and some are currently being evaluated.

The efficacious regimens are hand washing and isolation of patients with multiple resistant respiratory tract pathogens. Hand washing between patient contacts is a basic and often neglected behavior by medical personnel.

Potential complications of bacterial pneumonia include the following:
-Destruction and fibrosis/organization of lung parenchyma, with scarring potential.
-Bronchiectasis.
-Necrotizing pneumonia.
-Frank cavitation.
-Empyema.
-Pulmonary abscess.
-Respiratory failure.
-Acute respiratory distress syndrome.
-Ventilator dependence.
-Superinfection.
-Death.

Kind regards,
Oduwo Noah Akala
Executive Chairman,
Afya Kenya Foundation.
www.afyakenyafoundation.org
“Providing Care That Cares!”

Some of you may be aware of the tragic road accident that happened on 29th July, 2011 in Meru involving pupils and teachers of Loreto Convent Msongari Primary School. On board were pupils in Standard Seven and Eight, some of who sustained severe injuries including facial and body impairments as well limb amputations.

Some girls require prosthetic and reconstructive surgery. Due to the limited capacity for functional prosthetic fittings and rehabilitation in Kenya, the doctors have advised that this treatment is best carried out abroad. The surgery alone costs several million shillings per patient which is, for the most part, outside the cover of most medical insurance schemes. The financial burden for these highly-specialized medical procedures will therefore fall on the families of pupils.

Consequently, the Loreto Msongari Alumni group, in partnership with the Loreto Msongari sisters, have committed themselves to assist the families of the affected students obtain funding to ensure continued medical care for the children. This will be through various fundraising events to take place over the next one year.

The first of these events is a ‘Family Fun Day and Christmas Fair’ fundraiser. The event will bring together present and past students, teachers, family, friends and well- wishers. The day’s program will include performances by Msongari students and local entertainers, live music, and recreational activities for children. There will also be a wide range of arts, crafts, and refreshments for sale.

The goal is to raise Ksh. 15 million towards the much needed medical treatment.

For further information/clarification, kindly contact Alice Atieno Odera on 0717654637 | 254-202535233.

Kind regards,
Oduwo Noah Akala
Executive Chairman,
Afya Kenya Foundation.
n.oduwo@afyakenyafoundation.org

A normal menstrual cycle is 21-35 days in duration, with bleeding lasting an average of 7 days and flow measuring 25-80 mL.

Menorrhagia must be distinguished by your gynecologist from other common gynecologic problems. These include metrorrhagia (flow at irregular intervals), menometrorrhagia (frequent, excessive flow), polymenorrhea (bleeding at intervals of less than 21 days), and dysfunctional uterine bleeding (abnormal uterine bleeding without any obvious structural or systemic abnormality).

It is important to exclude pregnancy in women who present with such bleeding. This is the most common cause of irregular bleeding in women of reproductive age. Pregnancy should be the first diagnosis to be excluded before further testing or medications are instituted.

Quantity is a very subjective issue when considering vaginal bleeding. Best estimates usually are the only source your healthcare provider will have available to consider. Helpful references for totaling blood loss may include that the average tampon holds 5 mL and the average pad holds 5-15 mL of blood. The patient is asked what type of pad (liner vs overnight) was used and if it was soaked may add some insight into what the patient believes to be heavy bleeding. Quality of bleeding involves the presence of clots and their size.

Young patients, from menarche (which is the age at which the woman has her first period) to the late-teen years, most commonly have anovulatory bleeding (which means an infertile flow) due to the immaturity of their hormone system responsible for reproduction. If bleeding does not respond to usual therapy in this age group, a bleeding disorder must be considered.

Women aged 30-50 years may have organic or structural abnormalities. Fibroids or polyps are frequent anatomical findings. Organic causes can be anything from thyroid dysfunction to kidney failure.

Postmenopausal women with any uterine bleeding should receive an immediate workup for endometrial cancer.

If a young patient has had irregular menses since menarche, the most common etiology of her bleeding is anovulation. Anovulatory bleeding is most common in young girls (aged 12-18 y) and common in obese females of any reproductive age.

If a patient’s bleeding normally occurs at regular intervals and the irregularity is new in onset, illness must be ruled out, regardless of age.

Simple vaginitis (eg, candidal, bacterial vaginosis) may cause intermenstrual bleeding, while gonorrhea and chlamydia may present with heavier bleeding attributed primarily to the copious discharge mixed with the blood.

Chlamydia is a common cause of postpartum endometritis, leading to vaginal bleeding in the weeks following a delivery. A postpartum infection (eg, endometritis) also may be due to organisms unrelated to sexual activity.

It is also important to consider contraceptive use (intrauterine device or hormones.) Commonly, an intrauterine device (IUD) causes increased uterine cramping and menstrual flow. If a patient has recently discontinued birth control pills, she may return to her “natural” menses and report an increase in flow. This actually is normal because most oral birth control pills decrease the flow and duration of a woman’s menses.

Kind regards,
Oduwo Noah Akala
Executive Chairman,
Afya Kenya Foundation.
n.oduwo@afyakenyafoundation.org

The official medical term for the inherited condition is albinism-a deficiency in pigmentation in the skin, eyes and hair-but people with albinism are called many different names, from Whitey to Pinkey to Mzungu (white person)

As hurtful as this is, people with albinism face far greater challenges than childish name-calling: discrimination and ostracisation in the community, school and work; prejudice about health, intelligence and ability; misconceptions about the cause of the condition as a curse and punishment from God

However this is still not the worst of it. People with albinism are still to this day hunted and for their body parts. Fuelled by ignorance and superstition, it is believed that the body parts and organs of people with albinism can bring luck in love, life and business; and can even cure AIDS.

As a result, girls with albinism face a high risk of rape; and people with albinism are hunted and killed, and their blood, hair, genitals and other body parts are harvested by corrupt healers who prey upon deep-seated prejudices and superstitions and traffic and trade in their organs.

Of African-American and Swiss decent, Montreal-based Méan, makes films about racial identity. Méan was motivated to make the film after he read an article about the discrimination African people with albinism endure: “At first I was surprised to learn about Black people who looked White; and when I learnt more about the horrific truth of what they experience, I was shocked. Not only do they face discrimination because of their skin colour, but they are actually murdered because of it, even today.”

With the help and full support of Under the Same Sun a Canadian NGO founded by Peter Ash, a Canadian with albinism that wanted to raise awareness about this issue. Méan began work on his project in 2009. He contacted Vicky Ntetema, the former BBC Bureau Chief in Tanzania, who had gone undercover for BBC Swahili in 2008 to expose the practice of murder and trade in body parts of persons with albinism. Ntetema disguised herself as a rich businesswoman in search of magic potions and amulets made from the organs and body parts of people with albinism. She arranged meetings with traditional healers and recorded the negotiations.

Her report resulted in widespread exposure of the murders that had largely been ignored. Her investigation also resulted in death threats and she was forced to go into hiding. In 2009 she and the Tanzania Albino Society (TAS) received the Martin Luther King Drum Major for Justice Award and in 2010, she received the prestigious International Women’s Media Foundation for Courage in Journalism Award.

Méan found a kindred spirit in Ntetema who also wanted the world to know about the history of persecution that she had uncovered. Méan and Ntetema teamed up to make White and Black: Crimes of Colour, which explores the realities that people living with albinism face with unflinching detail.

“The prejudice and persecution are fuelled by ignorance and superstition and if we can reach people, make them understand albinism, dispel the myths and superstition, maybe we can make a difference in their lives. Maybe we can save a life. That is why we made the film. That is the purpose of the film.”

Méan is determined to make sure that the film fulfills its purpose and is watched by as many people as possible. Thanks to the support of Peter Ash and his Tanzanian NGO, he is personally taking responsibility for distributing the film. He has been meeting with broadcasters and hosting screenings in communities, schools, churches in Tanzania, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and South Africa.

The response to the film has been heartening. “The premiere of White and Black in Dar es salaam was attended by the Prime Minister of Tanzania, Mizengo Pinda. We have had screenings attended by more than 2000 people and have had discussions that have lasted longer than the film. More importantly, since the film was launched in November 2010 in Tanzania, no more murders of people with albinism have been recorded/reported, despite the fact that attacks and infanticide continue.

He is in Nairobi to attend the Kenya International Film Festival and the Plugged Expo and meet broadcasters for White and Black: Crimes of Colour and screen the film in communities.

His movie was presented by the Kenya International Film Festival a total of six times in 4 different cities including Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret and Mombasa. Screenings were followed by discussions and debates with local chapters of the Albinism Foundation of East Africa in order to create a dialogue between persons with albinism and their communities.

Méan is teaming up with the Albinism Foundation of East Africa to host his ultimate free screening of White and Black; Crimes of Colour on Saturday the 5th at the Plugged Expo in Nairobi at the Sarit center 4pm. The 58 minute film will be followed by a screening of ‘Kina’ a 25 minute Burkina Faso documentary by Sounkalo Dao about a girl with albinism who contrary to the characters in Jean-François Méan’s film is loved and nurtured by her family and community.

After the screening of both films there will be interactive discussions and debates between members of the Albinism Foundation of East Africa and the crowd. Members of the foundation will address the issue of albinism as it is experienced in Kenya.
There will be a stand at the expo where people will be able to, on both the 04th and 05th of November interact with members of the Albinism Foundation and gather information about the albinism, the film and purchase dvds.

Go to www.whiteandblackmovie.com for more information and a media kit on White and Black: Crimes of Colour

Kind regards,
Oduwo Noah Akala
Executive Chairman,
Afya Kenya Foundation.
n.oduwo@afyakenyafoundation.org

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?

The common denominator for many of the risk factors contributing towards developing breast cancer is their effect on the level and duration of exposure to the female hormone estrogen.

1. Advanced age

2. Family history
-Family history of ovarian cancer in women
-One first-degree relative
-Two or more relatives (mother, sister)

3. Personal history of breast disease

4. Reproductive history
-Early age at menarche, that is, one’s age at the time of their first monthly period (< 12 y)
-Late age of menopause
-Late age of first term pregnancy (>30 y)/nulliparity

5. Use of combined estrogen/progesterone hormone replacement therapy

6. Current or recent use of oral contraceptives

7. Lifestyle factors
-Adult weight gain
-Sedentary lifestyle
-Alcohol consumption
-Smoking

PROGNOSIS

The term prognosis refers to the predicted outcome of the disease. This is dependent on several factors such as:

1. The status of axillary lymph nodes. These are small structures in the armpit that are linked to the breast via channels known as lymphatic ducts.

2. Tumor size. The bigger the tumor, the poorer the prognosis.

3. The degree of invasion of blood and lymphatic vessels.

4. Patient age. The older the patient, the poorer the prognosis.

5. The grade of the disease under microscopic view. This gives a reflection of how advanced the disease is.

6. Response to neoadjuvant therapy. This refers to how the patient’s body responds to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Everybody is different and responds differently.

Five-year survival rates are highly correlated with tumor stage, as follows:
Stage 0: 99-100%
Stage I: 95-100%
Stage II: 86%
Stage III: 57%
Stage IV: 20%

PRESENTATION

How does the disease appear?

Many early breast carcinomas are asymptomatic, particularly if they were discovered during a breast-screening program. Larger tumors may present as a painless lump. Pain or discomfort is not usually a symptom of breast cancer; only 5% of patients with a malignant lump present with breast pain.

If the patient has not noticed a lump, then signs and symptoms indicating the possible presence of breast cancer may include the following:
-Change in breast size or shape
-Skin dimpling or skin changes (eg, thickening, swelling, redness)
-Recent nipple inversion or skin change, or nipple abnormalities (eg, ulceration, retraction, spontaneous bloody discharge)
-Single-duct discharge, particularly if bloodstained
-Axillary lump

To detect subtle changes in breast contour and skin tethering, the examination must include an assessment of the breasts with the patient upright with arms raised. The following findings should raise concern:
-Lump or contour change
-Skin tethering
-Nipple inversion
-Dilated veins
-Ulceration
-Edema or peau d’orange (orange peel appearance)

The nature of palpable lumps is often difficult to determine clinically, but the following features should raise concern:
-Hardness
-Irregularity
-Focal nodularity
-Asymmetry with the other breast
-Fixation to skin or muscle (assess fixation to muscle by moving the lump in the line of the chest wall with the patient bracing her arms against her hips)

A complete examination includes assessment of the armpits and above the neckbone, examination of the chest and sites of skeletal pain, and an abdominal and neurologic examination. The clinician should be alert to symptoms of metastatic spread, such as the following:
-Breathing difficulties
-Bone pain
-Abdominal distention (swelling)
-Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes)
-Localizing neurologic signs
-Altered cognitive (mental) function

Kind regards,
Oduwo Noah Akala
Executive Chairman,
Afya Kenya Foundation.
n.oduwo@afyakenyafoundation.org
“Providing Care That Cares!”

Hope For cancer Kids is a charitable organization started in 2008 by parents of children with cancer and volunteers. The aim is to ensure that every child admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital with cancer gets an NHIF cover so that their crucial treatment is not interrupted by lack of funds. Currently, 20 families have benefited, but we still have over 70 families to go. Every week, an average of five children are admitted at the hospital with one form of cancer or another. This stresses the continued need to raise money for the cause.

We invite your football team to join us in this noble cause by pledging your participation which will cost 15,000 per team. This is also a great opportunity for families to enjoy a fun football game as they cheer for you.

Please confirm your participation via the under-signed event officials:

Mr. Kenyua Gacheche
kenyua@gmail.com
+254 722 325 067

Mrs. Ciku Kimani (Hope4Cancer)
Ciku_kimai@yahoo.com
+254 711 358 270

Kind regards,
Oduwo Noah Akala
Executive Chairman
Afya Kenya Foundation.
n.oduwo@afyakenyafoundation.org

The precise cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, but several risk and contributing factors have been identified. The risk of epithelial ovarian cancer is increased in women who have not had children and possibly those with early menarche (age at first monthly period) or late menopause (age at termination of monthly periods.)

Epithelial ovarian cancer can occur in females as young as 15 years, but the mean age is 56 years.

Women who have been pregnant have a 50% decreased risk for developing ovarian cancer compared with women who have never been pregnant. Multiple pregnancies offer an increasingly protective effect. Oral contraceptive use decreases the risk of ovarian cancer. These factors support the idea that risk for ovarian cancer is related to ovulation.

Ovarian cancer is the most common cause of cancer death from gynecologic tumors in most of the Western world. The statistics are not available for Kenya. Around the world, more than 200,000 women are estimated to develop ovarian cancer every year and about 100,000 die from the disease. The lifetime risk of a woman developing epithelial ovarian cancer is 1 in 70.

Early disease causes minimal, nonspecific, or no symptoms. Therefore, most cases are diagnosed in an advanced stage. The prognosis (expected outcome) of ovarian cancer is closely related to the stage at diagnosis; thus, overall, prognosis for these patients remains poor.

Epithelial ovarian cancer presents with a wide variety of vague and nonspecific symptoms, including bloating, abdominal distension or discomfort, pressure effects on the bladder and rectum meaning that one has problems with controlling urination & defacation, constipation, vaginal bleeding, indigestion and acid reflux, shortness of breath, tiredness, weight loss, and early satiety (sensation of fullness on eating). The patient may feel an abdominal mass.

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea, or other digestive disorders are associated with later-stage disease. Presentation with swelling of a leg due to venous thrombosis (blood clots forming in the veins) is not uncommon.

Surgery is the initial treatment of choice, provided patients are medically fit. Patients who are not fit for surgery may be given chemotherapy and considered for surgery later. The aim of surgery is to confirm the diagnosis, define the extent of disease, and remove all visible tumor.

Kind regards,
Oduwo Noah Akala
Executive Chairman,
Afya Kenya Foundation.
n.oduwo@afyakenyafoundation.org

The purpose of this article is to address issues regarding albinism and society/culture especially in the African setting. In physical terms, human beings with albinism commonly have vision problems and need protection from the sun because they lack the protective pigment known as melanin. In addition to this, albinos also face social and cultural challenges (even threats) as the condition is often a source of ridicule, discrimination, or even fear and violence.

Cultures around the world have developed many beliefs regarding people with albinism. This folklore ranges from harmless myth to dangerous superstitions that cost human lives. Cultural challenges can be expected to be vastly higher in areas where pale skin and light hair stand out more from the ethnic majority’s average physical appearance as is the case in most African countries.

In places such as Burundi and Tanzania, there has been an unprecedented rise in witchcraft-related killings of albino people in recent years. This is because albino body parts are used in potions sold by witchdoctors. Numerous authenticated incidents have occurred in these parts during the turn of the Century. For example, in Tanzania, in September 2009, three men were convicted of killing a 14-year-old albino boy and severing his legs in order to sell them for witchcraft purposes. Again in Tanzania and Burundi in 2010, the murder and dismemberment of a kidnapped albino child is reported from the courts, as part of a continuing problem.

Other examples: In Zimbabwe, belief that sex with an albinistic woman will cure a man of HIV has led to sexual assaults (and resultant HIV infection).

A number of people with albinism have become famous, including historical figures such as Emperor Seinei of Japan, and Oxford University don William Archibald Spooner; ; musicians such as Johnny and Salif Keita; actor-comedian Victor Varnado and fashion model Connie Chiu.

Kind regards,
Oduwo Noah Akala
Executive Chairman,
Afya Kenya Foundation.
n.oduwo@afyakenyafoundation.org