Dr Tagwirei pledges support for persons with albinism

Peter Tanyanyiwa

Herald Correspondent

BUSINESSMAN and philanthropist Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei has pledged to support persons living with albinism.

This was announced at an ongoing outreach programme at Bindura Country Club.

ZANU-PF Youth League Deputy Political Commissar Cde Taurai Kandishaya, who made the announcement, said the support includes the drilling of boreholes for community nutrition gardens, provision of wheelchairs, sunscreen lotions, scholarships and skills training opportunities.

He said the support is aimed at improving both the health and economic welfare of people with albinism, who often face heightened vulnerability due to limited access to specialised skincare products and socio-economic barriers.

Addressing delegates, Cde Kandishaya said the intervention speaks to the Second Republic’s thrust towards inclusive empowerment.

“We are pleased to convey the support extended by Dr Tagwirei, which seeks to uplift the lives of persons living with albinism through practical interventions that address both their health and economic needs,” he said.

“This programme is not only about assistance, but about empowerment. We want to see persons with albinism becoming employers themselves, participating meaningfully in the economy and contributing to national development.”

He added that the provision of boreholes would enhance nutrition gardens, thereby improving household food security, while scholarships and skills training would open pathways for long-term self-reliance.

Albinism outreach underway in Bindura

Health Ambassadors for Economic Development (4ED) also stepped in with an additional empowerment initiative, with its national chairperson, Cde Cynthia Chisiri, announcing the allocation of land for production purposes.

“As Health Ambassadors, we have secured land measuring 600 square metres in Harare, specifically for persons living with albinism, where they will be trained to manufacture their own lotions,” she said.

“Our vision is to move from dependency to productivity. We want beneficiaries to produce, sell and even donate to others, thereby transforming them into active players in the value chain.”

Cde Chisiri said the initiative would be complemented by health education programmes to ensure safe and effective production of skincare products suited for people with albinism.

National chairman of Albinism in Action for Economic Development, Cde Gerald Mhandu, welcomed the interventions, describing them as transformative.

“This support marks a turning point for our community. Access to lotions, assistive devices and economic opportunities will go a long way in improving the quality of life for persons living with albinism,” he said.

“We are particularly encouraged by the focus on skills development and production, which empowers our members to become self-sufficient and economically active.”

He reiterated the organisation’s commitment to inclusive empowerment and its alignment with national development policies.