MALAWI CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL ALBINISM AWARENESS DAY
Government has reiterated that it will protect persons with albinism in the country. Speaking during the International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) at Mulanje Community Centre Ground, Minister responsible Patricia Kaliati said government is committed to ensure persons with albinism enjoy their rights just like every citizen of the country.
“The commemoration of the International Albinism day is for every Malawian. The day also carries a special significance for the whole nation. The day gives every Malawian an opportunity to reflect on the efforts which promote and protect the rights of persons with albinism, which of late have increasingly been violated. The commemoration has also provided Malawians an opportunity to join hands and deal with the albinism issues once and for all,” Kaliati said.
Executive Secretary for the Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) Emmie Chiumia encouraged parents of children with albinism to take responsibility for their children instead of depending on government and other people for help because it is their duty as parents. She also encouraged them to send their children to school and ensure they have protective clothing at all times.
“I am an independent woman today because my parents did not hide me from society nor did they stop me from going to school, instead they encouraged me. I can stand proud and tall today because despite all the challenges I faced, I persevered and I know that persons with albinism can be successful in life. I want every person with albinism in the country to know they have rights like every citizen and therefore they deserve to be treated just like everyone else,” she said.
The International albinism awareness day was instituted by the United Nations in November 2014 to appeal to Governments and Civil Society Organizations to respect the rights of persons with albinism and reflect on their plight.
The day which was commemorated under the theme “Understanding albinism: Protect and Respect Rights of Persons with Albinism” came at a time when superstitions and myths are leading to the rejection and ostracism of persons with albinism in communities and also to having their body parts targeted for use in rituals.
Prior to the commemoration a number of activities consisting of prayers for peace and love by religious organizations were held from 12th-14th June and an Albinism Symposium on 13th June at Pacific Hotel in Lilongwe. Post event activities will include commemorations in Mzuzu and Mchinji and provision of albinism mobile clinics in all District Hospitals across the country.
Malawi has about 75, 000 persons with albinism (a condition where people are born with little or no pigment in skin and hair) living across the country according to SADC estimations. The first reported case of targeted killings and abduction of a person with albinism in the country was in 2009 and since then about 15 cases have been reported in Mangochi, Zomba, Balaka, Ntcheu, Mulanje, Blantyre and Machinga which has reported the highest number of incidences.