Vitiligo Ghana and others mark World Vitiligo Day with school tours

As part of activities to mark this year’s World Vitiligo Day, Vitiligo Ghana teamed up with CLITH NGO, Airlly Events etc to engage schools in the Volta Region.

Building on last year’s success, the teams decided to work together again this time to sensitize students in Senior High Schools and some Junior High Schools. The school tours commenced on 21st of June when they made a first stop at Keta SHTS, Ketasco.

An enthusiastic student body showcased an interactive moment of asking and answering questions among each other. A few people among the crowd had basic knowledge on the condition and the rest were taken through the causes and manifestation of Vitiligo.

Friday, 22nd June saw the Vitiligo Ghana team visiting Keta Business Senior High where staff and students were full of smiles and warmth in receiving them.

Managing Director of CLITH, Mr Eugene Elikem Tornyeavah took the moment to explain what Vitiligo is and myths about the condition. Ms Enam Heikens Honya, the Vitiligo Ambassador for Ghana also shared her experience of living with Vitiligo with the students and staff alike.

On 25th June, the main day set aside for solidarity with Vitiligans, the team spent the morning with a very inquisitive young student population in the Dzelukope R.C School and again taught the pupils as well as staff on living in harmony and communion with People living with Vitiligo. The rest of the day was spent interacting with random people on the street to create more awareness on the condition.

Background

VITILIGO is a condition in which there is loss of or destruction pigment cells otherwise known as melanocytes. This can result in discolored patches in different areas of the body including the skin, hair, retina and mucous membranes. The extent and rate of color loss from Vitiligo is unpredictable.

Normally, the color of hair and skin is determined by melanin. Vitiligo occurs when the cells that produce melanin die or stop functioning.

Vitiligo affects people of all skin types, but it may be more noticeable in people with darker skin. The condition is not life-threatening or contagious. It can however be stressful or make you feel bad about yourself.

Treatment for Vitiligo may restore color to the affected skin. But it does not prevent continued loss of skin color or recurrence.

This year’s commemoration was celebrated under the theme “Children, Research and hope for the future”.

In an interview on #ResponsibleDialogues hosted by CLITH NGO, the Ambassador of Vitiligo Ghana expressed profound gratitude to God and everyone who has supported her by far. She was grateful to CEO of Airrly Events, Mr Elikplim Draffor, CEO of HideOut Bar&Grill, Selorm Kobby; Founder and CEO of TimepieceGh, Mr Anthony Dzamefe; Gregory Ziggah Photography, CLITH NGO, Phantom TV, NMJ Ghana, Sheabutter Cottage, BeauPrinz Media, CNA and RAM Foundation for their immense support in organizing the school tours.