BLANTYRE (Maravipost):Reacting to rising attacks on albinos in the country, Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Firebrand Patricia Kaliati, has asked all Malawians to show love respect to people living with Albinism.
An individual with complete absence of melanin is called an albino. One with only a small amount of melanin is described as albinoid. People with albinism are very pale with fair hair and very light eyes. In some people, the eyes appear red or purple, depending on the amount of pigment.
Albinism is a genetically inherited condition which is very rare and worldwide affects approximately one in twenty thousand people Although rare in the western world, albinism is quite common in sub-Saharan Africa, likely as a result of consanguinity.” Both parents who may or may not be albinos themselves must carry the gene if it is to be passed on to the child and is common both in male and female and is not specific to any race or ethnic group.
Love and respect Albinos, says Malawi Minister Kaliati
The remarks come amid recent reports of victimization and killing of Albinism for rituals.
African rituals and spiritual ideas around albinism have led to the brutal murder and attacks on innocent men, women and especially children under the influence of witchcraft and superstition and desperation for wealth. These ideas have been around for many generations, however in recent years witch doctors have been teaching misconceived ideas about the promise of wealth, success and power when albino limbs or hair is used in a potion as part of a witchcraft practices.
Minister Kaliati warned Malawians that Albinos are human beings hence need for them to be loved and respected just like any other human being living in Malawi.
“Albinos are Malawians too and their rights must be respected and accepted all times,” said Kaliati.
She called on society to treat people with Albinism with love and respect they deserve. She urged the Police to work hard in making sure that Albinos are protected and to make sure that case of abuse of Albinos are treated with urgency.
Recently, there have been attacks on people with Albinism. Violet Kanyama aged 25 from Gwana Village in Mulanje was brutally murdered last year but no suspects was apprehended in the case.
This prompted the Federation of Disability Association of Malawi (FEDOMA) and Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) to ask Government to introduce a law that will protect Albinos in Malawi.
