Tanzania develops 5-year strategy for protection of persons with albinism

DODOMA, Tanzania | Xinhua | Tanzanian authorities said on Tuesday they have developed a five-year strategy aimed at protecting and improving the welfare of persons with albinism.

The development of the strategy was announced by the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible with Labor, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities, Joyce Ndalichako, when she held talks with the United Nations independent expert on the rights of people with albinism, Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond in the capital city of Dodoma.

Ndalichako told the UN expert that the strategy running from 2024 to 2028 entailed the provision of health services to persons with albinism, protection of their rights, and provision of education.

She said the strategy was developed by the government in collaboration with the Tanzania Albinism Association (TAS) and other stakeholders.

“The main objective of the strategy is to eliminate discrimination against persons with albinism,” said Ndalichako.

According to Mussa Kabimba, TAS national secretary general, Tanzania, with a population of approximately 16,000 people with albinism, witnessed a wave of killings and kidnappings of albinos beginning in 2006, driven by the belief that their body parts possess magical powers capable of bringing riches. ■