There are many challenges for the Albino Community in Africa including discrimination, social exclusion and neglect.
Albinism is a genetic disorder resulting in decreased production of a pigment called melanin. It affects the skin, hair and eyes, resulting in light color or no color. One in 1000 Africans have albinism, while in the United States it affects one in 20,000 Americans. People with this genetic disorder have been discriminated against and persecuted in Africa. Children with albinism are sought after for their limbs because witch doctors believe their bodies harness magical powers. Due to the extreme measures witch doctors use to attain children and adults, people with the genetic disorder (albinism) are sent to protection centers.
More than half of the African population believe in witchcraft. Families with children or members who have albinism are oftentimes frowned upon and members of the community believe that albinism is a result of being cursed. Many women are rejected by their partners after giving birth, husbands believing their wives had affairs with white men. Oftentimes, families don’t want to be associated with those superstitions and abandon their children. The rejection continues in school. Children face teasing and discrimination by their peers, and this affects the development of positive self identity. Research has shown that teachers and school administrators lack the specific educational needs and resources for children with albinism. The absence of support and care, drives up rates of truancy among these children. Adults face descrimination as well, especially for individuals living in rural areas where superstitions are heightened. Due to poverty and the need for education, many with the genetic disorder are illiterate and are forced into menial jobs, exposing them to the sun and skin cancer. Those who manage to finish school face discrimination in the work place and are rarely considered for promotions.
Albino children and adults live in constant fear of being assaulted, kidnapped, murdered or having their limbs cut off. Witch doctors are common in Africa and believe that albino limbs mixed with magical potions are powerful. This belief is prevalent among many rural communities, even in politicians looking to win prospective elections. Witch doctors convince clients that bones and other organs of people with albinism will bring wealth, success and love to their lives. With this belief, clients pay up to $75,000 USD for an albino corpse while limbs can sell for $2,000 USD. For albino women, rape is prevelant. Women and girls are assaulted in the belief that intercourse with them can cure diseases, including AIDS.
As a result of these attacks, protection centers and boarding schools have been created for the safety of albino children. For example, the Buhangija Centre in Shinyanga, Tanzania. The center houses more than 300 children and protects them with guards who stand in front of the gates 24 hours a day. Only families and people who have been given government authority can enter the premises. The school provides an education, dormitory and meals free of charge. Although they provide safety and isolation for the children, the school headmaster Silliman Shabali Cabanya acknowledges this is not a long term solution. He believes society needs to be accepting and allow people with albinism to lead normal lives alongside other members of the community. He says, “keeping them hidden behind high walls and barbed wire is damaging for their development and long term psychological health.”
Lack of resources are the driving force in the preventable deaths witnessed yearly. Nine out of 10 people with albinism die between the ages of 30-40 due to skin cancer and the absence of sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and eyeglasses. The sun is extremely harmful to their skin and many don’t wear sunscreen because of its high cost. A sunscreen bottle can cost $14 - $19 USD depending on the African nation, about a sixth of the average monthly income in Senegal. In Zambia, medicine can be imported without being taxed, but sunscreen is considered a luxury cosmetic. It remains expensive and subject to tax, says John Chiti, executive director of the Albino Foundation of Zambia. There are some people, like 13 year old Chisha, who didn’t know what sunscreen was until he was admitted to the hospital for skin cancer. Currently, there is no policy that urges the government to produce or distribute sunscreen to people living with albinism. For those who can’t afford it, current solutions include wearing long sleeve shirts and trying to stay indoors as much as possible.
With so many attacks and discrimination taking place against the albino community in Africa, a significant milestone took place last month. Malawi Parliament welcomed the country’s first albino lawmaker, Overstone Kondowe, telling the press, “the victory is a clear demonstration that people are changing their attitudes.” Kondowe will be the first lawmaker to fund a national action plan on albinism.
To Get Involved:
Beyond Suncare is an organization that creates sunscreen for the albino community in Africa and distributes it to rural areas. They help educate and bring awareness to this genetic condition while employing 30 percent of local staff with albinism. To learn more about Beyond Suncare click here.
To support the albino community in Africa click here
Jennifer is a Communications Studies graduate based in Los Angeles. She grew up traveling with her dad and that is where her love for travel stems from. You can find her serving the community at her church, Fearless LA or planning her next trip overseas. She hopes to be involved in international humanitarian work one day.