People With Albinism And Their Rights To Life

NEWS COMMENTARY ON THE CONDITIONS OF PEOPLE WITH ALBINISM AND THEIR RIGHTS TO LIFE

Albinism is a genetic condition where people are born without the usual pigment in their bodies. Their bodies are not able to make the normal amount of melanin, the chemical that is responsible for eye, skin and hair colour. Most people with albinism have very pale skin, hair and eyes. Albinism is also associated with vision challenges especially when the sun is hot, in effect making them sensitive to light. The condition is an inherited disorder that is present at birth. Children are at risk of being born with albinism if they have parents who carry the genes. It is usually passed on from one unaffected parent to a child.  There is no cure for albinism but some symptoms can be treated. Albinos are found all over the World but are dominant in sub saharan Africa especially East Africa. In Tanzania for instance, albinos represent one in every 1,429 births, a much higher rate than in any other country. People with albinism are at times ostracised and even killed in some countries because they are presumed to be cursed and bring bad luck. Persecution of people with albinism is based on the belief that certain body parts of albinistic people can transmit magical powers. In parts of the Africa Great Lakes Region, this has been exploited by which doctors and others who use such body parts as ingredients for rituals, concoctions and potions with the claim that their magic will bring prosperity to the user. As a result, people with albinism have been persecuted, killed, and dismembered whiles graves of albinos have been dug up and desecrated. A recent expose’ by Ace investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas uncovered how the hands and legs of young albinos were cut off in Tanzania and used as a crucial ingredient in preparing a supposedly potent juju, an African charm that can give one money, power and fame.

As we mark World Albinism day today, it is pertinent to drum home the fact that albinism is not contagious as some people are made to believe. It is also not a punishment from God neither do albinos bring bad luck. They are normal human beings like any other person. Ninety eight percent of albinos are said to die by the age of forty for reasons which could easily be prevented. They must be educated to use sunscreen when exposed to the sun to prevent premature sun aging or skin cancer. Albinos can live up to their  normal life span, however some forms of albinism, can be life threatening. Doctors say if two people with the same type of albinism reproduce, all of their children will have albinism. However, if two people with two different types of albinism have children, none of their children will have albinism. This makes it important for people to check their genetic status regarding albinism before they marry. The UN must support the formation of more advocacy organizations to empower persons with albinism and educate society on the issue. Equal opportunities must be created for people with albinism. Medical subsidies must be extended to people suffering from genetic condition. World albinism day must be a period for reflection. We must do an introspection on whether we have stigmatized people with albinism or refused them the enjoyment of their basic rights.

As the theme for this year’s celebration of World Albinism Day goes, ‘Still Standing Strong”. Albinos must not be deterred by daily struggles they go through but be strong and fight all forms of discrimination. They must be positive in outlook and face life challenges head on. There are a number of albinos in Ghana who have made it to the top and need to be commended. Let us say no to discrimination, stigmatization and barriers in whatever form against albinos. It is their right to live and society should not deny them that based on stereotypes.

BY: JUSTICE MINGLE, A JOURNALIST.