By Shingirirayi Mugodi.
About one in 17000 people in the world and more than 14000 Zimbabweans live with Albinism, a mutation of several genes which causes a deficit in the production of melanin that is responsible for determining skin and hair colour.
People with albinism are the most vulnerable group in Zimbabwe. They still face teasing, stares, well-meaning but ignorant questions, feelings of otherness and isolation and myths about the condition. Their condition makes them very vulnerable to skin cancer, the majority of the people with Albinism most of whom are children failing to access sunscreen lotions, sun hats and other protective clothing that will help them when there is excess heat.
In other places people with albinism have more serious problems. In some parts of Africa, lack of classroom accommodations and stigma can prevent people with albinism from holding profitable jobs. Even worse for Africans with albinism, dangerous myths are circulating in Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and other countries that perpetuate the raping, killing, and dismemberment of people with albinism. These include that body parts of people with albinism carry good luck and that intercourse with a woman who has albinism can cure HIV. People should hold discussions that will educate people on the need to treat everyone as equals.
Little by little Africa is seeing the need to acknowledge people with albinism for their different talents.
The Albinism Society of Kenya held a Mr and Mrs Albinism beauty pageant in Nairobi to support those with the hereditary problem. Zimbabwe has also joined in and started appreciating those with Albinism too.
Schools should now also take it in arms to also appreciate everyone and not discriminate people with Albinism as they are able to equally do what everyone else can do. Also in the workplaces people with Albinism should also get the same jobs as everyone else.
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