It's all over the news, including local news and Aljazeera. Most people have never seen an albino and some may not even know exactly what they are! As times get critical, more and more news media attempt to cover the situation and bring the world's attention to the injustice going on in this part of the world.
Albinism is a genetically inherited condition that
affects one in twenty thousand people
worldwide that deprives the skin, hair, and eyes
of melanin, making individuals vulnerable to the
sun, bright light, and prone to skin cancer.
The condition is more common in sub-Saharan
Africa, most likely the result of it being passed
down by parents in the region.
Fifty percent of albinos in Tanzania have a
relative with the same condition, though very
few in the region understand the genetic causes.
As a result, many believe it to be a punishment
from God or bad luck. It is because of the lack
of knowledge concerning genetics that the
misconceptions continue…and those with
albinism are heavily persecuted. There is no
known cure.
In Tanzania, albinos represent one in every 1429
births, much higher than any other nation.
Tanzania has a population of 51.82 million as of
2014. When an albino child is born, fathers often
suspect the mother of infidelity with a white
man (even though the genetics for albinism are
not present in Caucasians), or that the child is a
ghost of a European colonist. This causes
immense strain on families. As a result, an
albino child is seen as a bad omen and treated
as if they are unwanted. Albino babies thus
often become victims of infanticide.
While some countries like Tanzania use them for
money rituals, others simply kill them and allege
they bring curses upon their lands. But Albinos
are just humans like we all are. Their skin
pigmentation is not suppose to be used against
them.
Ignorant people still see them as mistakes upon
the face of the earth, like Nigerians once saw
twins as a curse and killed them until Mary
Slessor came to our rescue.
Let's wise up, people.
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