adminTichavona Makonese
SKINCARE Trust, an organisation which fights for the rights of people living with albinism, has called for society to include and embrace them in policymaking.
The appeal was made in honour of International Albinism Awareness Day.
Skincare Trust director, Tryagain Takayidza, has urged governments to uphold the rights of people with albinism.
This should include their inclusion in policymaking programmes and adequate public health awareness, education and skin surgery treatment.
In a bid to fight against the stigma, against people living with albinism, Skincare Trust provides spectacles and skin surgery for skin cancer affected members for free.
On December 18, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly established International Albinism Awareness Day to raise the profile of the genetic condition of albinism and to highlight the achievements of people living with albinism.
“June 13 marks a moment to reflect on the plight of people with albinism in many parts of the world, especially on the African continent.
“Many thanks to human rights advocate, Yusuf Mohamed Ismail Bari-Bari, who led the effort to pass this resolution that aims to promote and protect the rights of people with albinism.
“We can only raise the flag for people living with albinism if we attend to the issues such as public health awareness and offer adequate health services for skin and vision disabilities.”
She added:
“Putting out messages that counter stigma against people living with albinism is also important.
“Access to education is the key to success for the albino community which doesn’t have access to that education due to poverty.
“There are still a lot of children with albinism who are disadvantaged in terms of accessing education in a conducive and welcoming environment.
“In tribute to persons with albinism across the world, we continue to support the inclusion of the voices of persons with albinism in all sectors of life.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter