Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
The SADC Albinism Alliance was officially launched in Bulawayo last Friday amid renewed calls for economic empowerment, political inclusion and stronger support systems for people living with albinism.
The launch and training programme, held at Cillas Conference Centre, brought together disability rights activists, health practitioners and community organisations who donated sunscreen lotions and conducted skincare awareness training for people with albinism.
The event was organised in partnership with Albinism in Action for Economic Development (4ED), Health Ambassadors for Development, Ocean Bird Foundation International and Mandazy Beauty Parlour, with Albinism in Action for Economic Development emerging as the biggest partner whose contribution helped make the event a huge success.
The SADC Albinism Alliance, chaired by Dr Ganizani Phiri, is a national and regional platform that coordinates and links like-minded partners in support of the albinism community across the region.
Among those present were Dr Phiri, Ms Alma Ngwenya representing Mandazy Beauty Spa, Ms Nobuhle Masuku of Ocean Bird Foundation International and Mr Reward Nyoni from the National Youth Service graduates in Bulawayo Province.
National chairman of Albinism in Action for Economic Development, Cde Gerald Mhandu, said the outreach programme formed part of a wider national drive to improve the welfare of people living with albinism through health support, empowerment initiatives and advocacy.
Cde Mhandu, who is also the Zanu PF Mashonaland Central Youth League provincial member and secretary for disabled and disadvantaged persons, said the organisation was continuing to expand its outreach programmes to different provinces in partnership with local and regional stakeholders.
“We are grateful to all the organisations and individuals who continue to stand with us in supporting people living with albinism,” he said.
“These partnerships are helping us to restore dignity, promote health awareness and create opportunities for our people.”
He lauded the Albino Charity Organisation of Zimbabwe for consistently assisting with sunscreen lotions during outreach programmes across the country.
“At every programme we conduct, we receive critical support in the form of lotions and skincare products, which are essential for people living with albinism because of their vulnerability to skin cancer and other skin-related conditions,” said Cde Mhandu.
Participants at the Bulawayo event each received at least three bottles of sunscreen lotion as part of the donation drive.
Cde Mhandu said beyond health interventions, there was an urgent need to economically empower people living with albinism and increase their participation in leadership and decision-making structures.
“We want people living with albinism to move from being job seekers to employers. Economic empowerment is key in addressing stigma, discrimination and exclusion,” he said.
“We are advocating for meaningful representation in political and developmental structures so that our voices are heard and our concerns are fully addressed.”
He said the organisation was also searching for more partners to support skills development, employment creation and talent identification programmes for people with albinism.
“We have talented individuals within our community who simply need support and exposure. Some are professionals looking for opportunities, while others are gifted artists and entrepreneurs who require empowerment,” he said.
Cde Mhandu cited lawyer Anesu Mnangarwa, who is seeking employment opportunities, and musician Talent Chidindi as examples of talented people living with albinism who require support from corporates and stakeholders.
The programme also featured skincare education sessions aimed at teaching participants how to protect their skin from harmful ultraviolet rays and monitor possible skin complications associated with albinism.
Organisers said the launch of the SADC Albinism Alliance in Bulawayo marked an important step towards strengthening regional cooperation in advocating for the rights, health and socio-economic inclusion of people living with albinism.
They said the alliance would serve as a strategic coordinating platform linking organisations, development partners and advocacy groups committed to advancing the welfare and inclusion of persons living with albinism at both national and regional levels.
Albinism in Action for Economic Development has, in recent months, intensified nationwide outreach campaigns promoting inclusion, health awareness and empowerment for persons living with albinism.
