Some people believe that albinos possess magical powers, including the ability to transmit prosperity to others. This is the result of a severe lack of education about albinism, its genetic causes, and the rarity with which it is seen around the world.
People who practice witchcraft reportedly pay as much as $75,000 for a complete sets of albino body parts. These have been used in rituals, concoctions, and potions in an attempt to transmit the supposed magical properties.
As of mid-March 2015, more than 200 witchdoctors and traditional healers were arrested in Tanzania in connection with attacks on albino people. In January 2015, Tanzania officially banned witchdoctors from practicing in the hopes of curbing the killings.
Due to the demand for albino body parts, some people have gone so far as to dig up albinos’ graves and steal parts. Often the graves of albinos are sealed with concrete to keep out grave robbers.
While witch doctors have propagated the notion that albinos have positive magical properties, others believe that albinos are cursed and bring bad luck. This has led to high rates of infanticide among albino babies.
Albinism is a genetic condition that researchers have recently linked to inbreeding. Both parents, who may or may not be albinos, must carry the gene to pass it on to the child. In Western countries, the incidence of albinism is one in 20,000 people. In East African countries such as Tanzania, it’s closer to one in 1,400 people.
In Tanzania, where the highest rate of albinism exists in the world, a number of albinos have moved to the Dar es Salaam area. Due to the persecution in rural areas, many feel safer in an urban setting where the attacks are less frequent.
Due to the lack of education about albinism and its origins, fathers often accuse mother of infidelity if they give birth to albino children. Mothers can be accused of being unfaithful with a white man, or the child is thought to be the ghost of a European colonist.
In part due to the social stigma surrounding them, albinos in Africa face a severe lack of social and economic tools to live productive lives, and do not receive the same level of education as their peers. This also stems from the lack of resources available for those with blindness, a common side effect of albinism. An estimated 98-percent of albinos die from skin cancers before the age of 40 in Tanzania, according to PracticalDermatology. Recent studies show life expectancy can be extended when skin protection measures are taken.
Some schools, such as the Buhangija albino school in Shinyanga, Tanzania, were created specifically for the albino community. They are equipped to deal with albinos’ special needs, especially with regard to visual impairments, but also provide a safe space where albinos can learn and grow without social exclusion and bullying.
Some politicians running in the elections in Tanzania in October 2015 have endorsed witchcraft to enhance their prospects, and advocates are concerned that this may mean heightened danger for albinos. Even those who are not involved have done little to advance protection of albinos. Vicky Ntetema, executive director of albino advocacy group Under the Same Sun, said, “There’s absolutely no political will among leaders to end these macabre killings.”
Source: NYTimes.com
Facing attacks on albinos, many fled to Ukerewe Island in the middle of Lake Victoria in Tanzania. With an albino population of more than 70, it is thought to be the highest concentration of albinos in the world. However, even Ukerewe Island has seen attackers targeting albinos. Many have moved to the northern city of Mwanza, where there are more amenities and protection available.
