‘People need to be educated about albinism’

Tambirai Maruta

THE Albinism Network Zimbabwe (ANZ) has called for more awareness and education surrounding the condition, stating that current discriminatory attitudes led to ridicule and can limit academic progression for those with albinism.

ANZ executive director, Blessing Chikuhwa, pointed out that albinism is simply a lack of melanin pigment, but is often stigmatised due to a lack of understanding.

ANZ has called upon both public and private sectors to reach out to people with albinism and help with start-up projects.

“Albinism is just a lack of a pigment called melanin, which gives the skin it’s dark colour. However, in society some of us with albinism fall victim to ridicule and we are sometimes labelled as ‘Musope’ or ‘Murungu Dunhu’ because of the way we look due to lack of knowledge and understanding from members of the community.

“The word albino comes from the Latin word Albus, which means white, so people with albinism are sometimes called albinos. However, albinism is a much-preferred term than albino because it puts the person first before the condition,” said Chikuhwa.

Chikuhwa also highlighted the visual challenges that bedevil people with albinism which limit them academically.

“Our visual constraints usually amount to some of us not making it very far in school, so most of us with albinism rely on projects such as rearing chickens, pigs and other livestock to sustain ourselves and our families.

“The major hurdle we come across is lack of start-up capital, so as ANZ we are calling on the private and public sectors to assist persons with albinism and organisations that focus on these individuals.”

NetOne Zimbabwe chief executive officer, Rapheal Mushanawani, spoke about how they plan to end discrimination and stigma by supporting and uplifting the lives of persons with albinism countrywide.

“NetOne has been in various places across the country, supporting people with albinism. Recently we were in Gokwe and Gweru.

“Our organisation’s thrust is to put an end to stigma and to clearly highlight that albinism is not a curse, but just a difference in skin pigment.

“Everyone has a condition, it’s only that some people’s conditions are not seen, so we shall continue with our campaigns across the length and breadth of Zimbabwe. We have donated lotions, creams and lip balms to people with albinism in various communities across the country,” he said.