Violence soars against people with albinism

Insight

Violence soars against people with albinism

In Senegal, people living with albinism marked International Albinism Awareness day this week. At a facility in Dakar, they were given free medical checkups. It’s part of the government’s promise to ensure that those living with albinism have access to all the healthcare they need.

CCTV Africa’s Kathryn Ogunde reports from Senegal.

Albinism is one of the most misunderstood conditions in Africa. In Senegal, the situation is no different many of those living with the condition are often victims of injustice and discrimination.

It is estimated that about 10,500 people in Senegal live with albinism.

Most attacks against this minority occurred during election campaigns based on the fact that many African cultures believe those living with albinism possess magical powers.

The Senegalese government hopes to set up systems to make it easier for those living with albinism have access to healthcare, especially dermatological and optical services.

According to rights groups in Senegal, the number of murders and kidnappings of those living with albinism have increased.

In the past year at least 457 were attacked and 178 killed in 26 African countries, reports the nonprofit group Under The Same Sun.


Susan Leslie DuBois on fight to end discrimination against people with albinism

What kind of progress is being made in the fight to end discrimination against people with albinism? CCTV America’s Mike Walter interviewed Susan Leslie DuBois. She has two children with albinism, and she and her husband travel to Africa every year to advocate on the issue.