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EVERYDAY of their lives, albinos are battling to demystify myths and misconceptions associated with complexion in the society.
Numerous misconceptions have been linked to albinism, subsequently condemning them to societal discrimination.
According to online sources, albinism is the lack of melanin, a pigment in the skin, eyes and hair which protects people from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Melanin gives skin, hair, and eyes their colour.
Some myths hurled at those with albinism include, among them, that they cannot have regularly pigmented children as well as the belief that albinos cannot see well during the day, but at night.
The truth is that an albino can give birth to regularly pigmented children if his or her partner is not a carrier of a similar recessive gene for albinism.
The children may be carriers of the recessive gene but it will not be expressed in them.
It should also be noted that while people with albinism have eyesight problems, occasioned by the lack of ‘melanin’ pigmentation in the retina, they see well in day and night times.
They may either be short or long sighted and may need sight aids at times.
Among other lethal ailments that attack people living with albinism, is the Basal cell carcinoma, a type of cancer that grows on parts of skin that is exposed to direct sunlight.
The tumours start off as small shiny bumps, usually on the nose or other parts of a person’s face.
Basal cell carcinoma usually grows slowly and often doesn’t show up for many years after intense or long-term exposure to the sun.
One can get it at a younger age if one is exposed to a lot of sun or use tanning beds.
A 37-year-old Mutare man, Dickson Chikata developed the ailment a few years ago and is appealing for financial assistance to undergo surgery at Mutare Provincial Hospital.
“I am appealing to members of the public to come aboard with financial assistance of up to $1 800 for me to undergo an operation. People willing to assist can contact me on 0773 607 544 or 0714026167,” he said.
Chikata who is unemployed, has five wounds and each wound would cost him $360 in treatment.
The story of Chikata has been one among hundreds of medical challenges being faced by people living with albinism.
Manicaland Albino Association chairperson, Ms Nyaradzai Mazaiwana, said they would work tirelessly continue conscientising people about myths and superstitious beliefs associated with albinism.
“Albinos need to be treated as equal citizens. We will work flat out to demystify myths and superstitions linked with albinism by holding workshops, outreach programs and confidence building conferences. We have often faced discrimination in the society and this has completely wiped some confidence particularly among teenagers. It should be noted that albinism is it neither contagious nor a disease. Albinos need resources such as sun hats, long sleeved clothes to void direct sun rays on their skin because direct heat is the source of most of their problems,” said Mazaiwana.
Senator Nyamayabo Mashavakure, who representing people living with disabilities, said the government was committed to ensuring that disabled people were well catered for despite financial challenges bedevilling the country.
Senator Mushavakure, who is also a National Disability Board member, turned blind when he was only two years old after suffering a bout of measles in Midlands.
“From my own view, government has made tremendous efforts to address the plight of people living with disabilities, albinos included.
Challenges are everywhere, resources are scarce but government’s determination and dedication to supply sun screen and special lotions to albinos should be lauded.
Most of them develop skin cancer and cancer sores so it is critical to ensure that medication and other facilities are easily accessible to avoid premature deaths,” he said.
Recently, Minister of State for Manicaland provincial Affairs, Mandi Chimene, handed over 145 pairs of reading glasses and foodstuffs to people living with albinism at a confidence building conference held at Mutare Teachers College.
Minister Chimene also pledged to facilitate income generating projects for the Manicaland Albino Association in a move aimed at achieving self-sustenance.
“I promise to work with people living with albinism in the province and I am willing to lobby for resources and assist in spearheading income generating projects so that they won’t rely on handouts.
It is also imperative for the association to have a centre where day-to-day business will be conducted. It is important to have a database to record actual number of people living with albinism in the province,” she said.
She urged albinos to believe in themselves since their condition was normal.
“Albinism is not a disability. You are normal and you should be proud of who you are.
“You can do whatever you wish to do without any assistance. It is, however, important to protect your skin by putting on clothes that protects you from direct sunlight,” she added.
The well-attended event was held under the theme: “Believe in yourself, have faith in your own power, you can be successful”.
Among the food stuffs she donated, were two bags of maize meal, two bags of beans and 20 litres of cooking oil.
The conference was aimed at building confidence and creating awareness among people living with albinism as well as to demystify myths and negativities about albinism.
Speaking at the same event, pastoral care and counselling services official Dr Mazvita Machinga said: “Mental health is very vital. It is imperative to have a positive state of mind and love yourself.”
Online Reporter