The plight of albinos in Southern Nigeria (2)

In Tanzania, discrimination against Albinos have taken a wicked twist as they including, children are being killed and mutilated on a large scale every year. In October 2008, Tanzania Albinos held a protest rally where they urged their Government to do more to protect Albinos or they may be forced to seek refuge in a safe country. It is a good thing that these people are coming out and making themselves visible. Nigeria Albinos should take a cue from this.

Like all kinds of prejudice, the best way out is educating the masses. It is very sad hearing Albinos tell their story, and the treatment meted out on them. I think what people need is education about Albinos; their struggles and challenges they face. Awareness and education are key to overcoming discrimination. It is ignorance that makes people discriminate against others. The Albino Foundation has been of assistance in this area as they ensure that families and schools make efforts not to exclude children with albinism in their families or communities is most helpful.

Religion has also had a positive impact on the plight of Albinos in recent times. Christians and Muslims alike are beginning to realize that before God all humans are equal and discrimination against them is a demonstration of disrespect to God and His work. However the Christian and Muslim communities can do more by actively organising support groups for Albinos, intensifying preaching on equity, love and justice, and regularly presenting God as the friend of all mankind. Jesus indeed has made it clear that “what you do to the best of his brethren, you do unto him” – Matt.25:45.

EFFECT OF CIVILIZATION ON ALBINOS

It may be true that some old traditions in Southern Nigeria do discriminate and stigmatise people with albinism, however, due to civilisation such traditions of cultural myths and superstitions are fast dying out today as people are becoming more aware that albinism is not an unnatural phenomenon. To cap it up, in 2014, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 13 June as International Albinism awareness day.

My recommendations are that Albinos should be tolerated and understood as not been responsible for their albinism. It is a kind of physical disability, therefore it is a duty of everyone to give special care and respect to them. Albinos should on the other hand be open, free, and not appear to suspect that other people are discriminating against them.

We must begin to encourage capable Albinos to consider career in politics so that they can aspire to policy making positions where they can directly effect the desired changes. We must also begin to showcase those businesses and other organisations under Albinos’ management to demonstrate their latent abilities in management.

Ophthalmologist and optometrists can equally help people with albinism compensate for their eye problem even though they cannot cure them. Clear national policies are needed, and communities should be educated about albinism to demystify this genetic condition. And assuring families of Albinos that their defects are confined to the skin and eyes; and advising on protective clothing, sun screening agents and correcting myopia would reduce the challenges they face. They can also be assisted with indoor occupation, early treatment of actinic keratoses and skin cancer to help many of them attain social acceptance, and a ripe old age.