Fighting Discrimination and Stigmatization against Persons with Albinism

Guest Blogger: Brian Mukalazi, National Director, ECM-Uganda

Jesus says in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another”. Contrary to this, persons with albinism in Uganda and other parts of the world today continue to face extreme forms of stigma, discrimination, abuse, and dehumanization.  It has been estimated that in the USA one person in 17,000 has some type of albinism. Studies from Africa, however, show that the prevalence of albinism in Africa is approximately one in 4,000 and the majority are found in the Sub-Saharan Africa.

Albinism is a genetically inherited, autosomal recessive physical condition where there is a shortage or absence of the melanin pigment which affects the eyes, hair and skin.  Living with albinism is daunting and challenging especially in Africa and Uganda in particular. Below, I highlight some of the particular challenges being faced by Persons with Albinism (PWA);

1. With poor access to information and lack of precautionary measures, persons with albinism in Uganda usually have a significantly stunted life-span (with many not living to celebrate their 40th birthdays) due to skin cancer. Measures such as wearing covering clothing, sun glasses and broad hats are not adhered to.
2. Sunscreen lotions that are used in skin protection are difficult to find in many parts of Africa and are quite expensive. In Uganda, they usually sell at about the equivalent of USD $4.20 per 170ml.
3. Myths, misleading cultural beliefs and misconceptions associated with Persons with Albinism form part of the biggest threats. It’s believed in some cultures that a PWA is a demon or curse as a result of cheating wives and in others, they are presumed to have magical powers that could lead to wealth and cure HIV/AIDS.
4. Persons with albinism are routinely shunned from employment by both private employers and Governments due to their condition. They are thought of as being incapable or as being a burden.
5. In schools and other learning institutions, students with albinism face additional forms of discrimination and are prevented from equal access to education, either directly or indirectly, from both peers and teachers. This is mainly due to the vision problems experienced.

With guidance from ECM's detailed curriculum about albinism and support from partners, we should try to use the available means to fight the above challenges and promote the much needed awareness to ensure that persons with albinism are born free and equal in rights and dignity.

I wish to thank Wayne and Bonnie Hollyoak (ECM missionaries in Uganda)for their support regarding local production of sunscreen lotions. At the moment, the samples are undergoing the mandatory testing procedures by the government and we pray that the process is completed successfully.

If God is unbiased and loves us equally without showing favoritism, then we need to love others in the same way. Remember, Jesus loves everyone and died for ALL.