Mwape Chimpampa, a student at Kafue’s Naboye Secondary School, has created an organic sunscreen designed to protect individuals with albinism, a frequently overlooked population at high risk of skin cancer. The 15-year-old Zambian transformed her personal grief into a powerful spark for change.
Her albino father died of skin cancer in 2017, which she blames on a lack of access to adequate sun protection. “My father couldn’t afford sunscreen. That’s something that stayed with me,” she said in an interview.
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Chimpampa, who has albinism herself, made the decision that she wanted to help others change that reality. Her solution was to formulate a sunscreen that was created locally using natural components like aloe vera, fruits, vegetables, and spices.
The product is reasonably priced, organic, and specifically made for high UV locations like Zambia. Its SPF of 22 is more than the minimum level of protection advised for those with albinism.
The teen’s invention was initially displayed at the 2024 National Junior Engineers, Technicians, and Scientists (JETS) Fair, where it stood out among dozens of other entrants.
The Zambia Research and Development Centre (ZRDC) took notice of her creative thinking after she was placed among the top finalists; since then, the center has stepped in to support her efforts, assisting with the product’s design enhancements, scientific validation, and getting it ready for wider distribution.
In a recent interview, Dr. Chisala Bwalya of the Zambia Research and Development Center (ZRDC) emphasized the importance of the teen’s discovery.
Dr. Bwalya said, “This project represents a significant step towards addressing an equitable healthcare challenge in Zambia. Sunscreen is crucial for people with albinism, but its high cost and unavailability makes it inaccessible to many. By developing a local, organic alternative, Mwape’s innovation has the potential to save lives, create jobs, and inspire other young innovators in the country.”
Given that activists and human rights organizations have long argued for sunscreen to be acknowledged as a necessary medical product rather than just a cosmetic, Chimpampa’s product has become a component of a rising movement advocating for improved protection for individuals with albinism.
Chimpampa’s invention is currently undergoing clinical testing, with the goal of distributing it through Zambian clinics and health centers in the near future.
“Significant progress has been made in refining the product. Initial testing has confirmed its effectiveness, and we are now engaging dermatologists to further validate its efficacy and usability,” Dr. Bwalya explained.
He also advocated for sunscreen inclusion in key healthcare services to achieve universal use and protection. Aside from enhancing people’s lives, the product may also boost local economies by lowering reliance on pricey imported goods.
“We’re not just talking about Zambia—we’re talking about Africa and the world at large. This project has the potential to reach national and international markets, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against skin cancer and sun-related health risks,” he stressed.
People with albinism are particularly vulnerable in areas like sub-Saharan Africa because of the intense sunlight and inadequate access to protective skincare products.
Muluka-Anne Miti Drummond, the UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by people with albinism, has been an outspoken advocate for sunscreen to be re-included on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medications.
“For people with albinism, sunscreen isn’t optional. It can be life-saving,” Drummond said in a recent statement.
Meanwhile, Chimpampa continues to dream big. The young genius intends to work in biochemistry so she can keep generating cutting-edge medical treatments for her community.
“I came up with this sunscreen to promote local production in Zambia and make sun protection more affordable,” she said. “This will reduce the risk of skin cancer for thousands of people living with albinism in our country.”
The most recent Zambian census, conducted in 2010, counted 25,324 persons with albinism. As per the Albinism Foundation of Zambia, people with albinism have a light complexion because their skin, eyes, and hair lack the pigment known as melanin.
In Zambia, people with albinism are categorized as disabled because they encounter a variety of environmental and attitude barriers that prevent them from actively participating in society on an equal level with other individuals.
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