#albinism. in Kenya uploaded by E.Nyandoro
Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited condition occurring
in both genders regardless of ethnicity, in all countries of the world. Both the
father and mother must carry the gene for it to be passed on even if they do
not have albinism themselves.
1. Persons with albinism (PWA) in Kenya suffer terribly from pervasive
myths and misconceptions about their condition. This negative public
perception relegates most of them into isolation that locks them in a
vicious cycle of poverty.
2. While Kenya has taken steps to improve the lives of PWA including the
ongoing attempt to expressly capture albinism into its laws on disability,
affirmative action and sunscreen distribution program, it remains to be
seen whether these steps will be followed-through and concretized so that
benefits are clearly seen in the lives of PWA.
3. Persons with albinism in the country continue to suffer from
discrimination and lack of support particularly in the education system
where they are often mocked for their appearance and low vision are unaccommodated. The result causes a high dropout rate amongst PWA. This
in turn leaves most of them un-skilled and un-equipped for jobs and
relegates them to menial jobs, including jobs that expose them to the sun
and subsequently to skin cancer which is the primary killer of persons with
albinism in the region of Sub Saharan Africa.
4. Lack of educational support mixed with pervasive myths and
misconceptions which in turn drives stigma and discrimination against
persons with albinism in the country. The effect is that their economic and
social rights are greatly affected. Joblessness and extreme isolation, both
self-imposed and community imposed, consign persons with albinism into
a life of poverty and depravation.
5. On the extreme end of stigma and discrimination against PWA are physical
attacks which seem to be met with little or no information from a follow up
investigation and prosecution with the result being that perpetrators are
not deterred.
6. Therefore, while Kenya has made some strides to advance the rights of
PWA, there remains an extensive array of work to be done. At the very
least being intensive public awareness and sensitization to humanize
persons living with this obvious and immutable condition; standardizing
reasonable accommodation for them at schools; and ensuring the
effectiveness of the sunscreen program and affirmative action programs to
ensure that many more are protected and employed indoors.
14 окт 2024
