Tanzanian government allocates USD 730,000 for albinism skincare lotion in 2025/26 budget
The albinism rate in Tanzania is among the highest globally, with over 4000 people living with it.
TANZANIA – Tanzania’s government has allocated 1.9 billion Tanzanian shillings (USD 730, 000) in the 2025/26 fiscal year budget specifically for procuring protective skincare lotions for people with albinism.
This marks an increase from the previous 2024/25 fiscal year, when 1.4 billion shillings(USD 538,000) were directed toward the same purpose out of a broader 8.74 billion shillings(USD 3.35 million) for social welfare services.
Deputy Minister Dr. Jafar Seif announced the allocation during a National Assembly session, emphasizing compliance with national policies on disability services.
The lotions protect the sensitive skin of individuals with albinism from ultraviolet rays, reducing skin cancer risks, a critical need given past shortages and health vulnerabilities.
To date, 182 million shillings have supported 14,695 beneficiaries, with ongoing identification efforts across councils to reach more beneficiaries.
Local government authorities face mandates to budget for these lotions as essential services, with the central government tightening oversight to address prior inconsistencies in supply.
Questions in Parliament from MPs like Stella Ikupa Alex highlighted enforcement against non-compliant councils.
Research indicates that about 1 in every 1,400–1,429 births in Tanzania results in albinism, compared to roughly 1 in 20,000 in Europe or North America.
This translates to an estimated over 40,000 people with albinism living in Tanzania, making it a significant public health and social issue.
Meanwhile, last year, the WHO added sunscreen, specifically SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen, to its Model List of Essential Medicines (EML) as of September 2025.
The listing of sunscreen as an essential medicine follows a multi-year application process led by the UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of rights by persons with albinism, with support from advocacy groups including the Global Albinism Alliance, the Pierre Fabre Foundation, Beyond Suncare, and other partners.
The push for inclusion emerged primarily out of concern for high-risk populations, particularly persons with albinism, who have a genetic lack of melanin pigment, making them highly vulnerable to harmful UV exposure.
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