In Zambia, a young student is revolutionizing the way you face the sun protection For people with albinism. Is called Mwape Chimpampahe is 15 years old and attended the penultimate year of the high school in Naboye, in the Kafue district. His project was born from a personal tragedy: the loss of his father, which took place in 2017, due to a skin cancer.
From that moment, Mwape has decided to act concretely to prevent others from undergoing the same fate. It is born like this The Organic Sunscreenan innovative product entirely composed of local biological ingredientsdesigned to be accessible and cheapespecially for those who live in rural areas where common solar filters – often imported and expensive – do not come. With a SPF 22the cream exceeds the minimum recommended for those with the skin particularly sensitive to UV rays, such as people with Albinism.
The project was enthusiastically accepted by Zambia Research and Development Center (ZRDC)who started theincubationoffering technical support, training and funds for the future large -scale production. According to Dr. Chisala Bwalyaresearcher of the Center, this initiative has the potential of save livescreate employment and encourage a new generation of young African scientists.
A real and ignored problem
Mwape’s success was also recognized at national level during the Jets 2024 competitionwhere his project was rewarded among the best. From there, the path to the marketing It has become more concrete: dermatologists, local producers and investors are collaborating to test, perfect and distribute the product.
It is not just a brilliant idea, but a real health response to a real and ignored need. For this, Dr. Bwalya asked African parliaments to support policies that I encourage local production of essential health solutions, through tax breaks, public funds and partnerships between the private sector and institutions.
According to the data, in Zambia there are about 30,000 people with Albinismo. The sun cream designed by Mwape can really make the difference. And not only in Zambia: his dream is to bring this invention throughout the African continent. Meanwhile, Mwape looks to the future with determination: he wants to become biochemistry and continue to develop scientific solutions to improve the health of his community.
