African countries have called to improve access to healthcare and education for children with albinism

Lusaka, Zambia.

Recently, The UN Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of Human Rights by Persons with Albinism (UNIE) convened a validation session in Lusaka, Zambia, to finalize a draft Guidance Note on State Reporting on Children with Albinism.

This initiative, driven by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), aims to address the persistent rights violations faced by children with albinism, including ritual attacks, stigma, and inadequate access to essential services.

However, the validation session brought together diverse stakeholders, including ACERWC representatives, the UNIE, and representatives from albinism organizations across Africa including Tanzania Albinism Society (TAS) which was represented by the regional chairperson of TAS Morogoro, Hassan Mikazi.

Hassan Mikazi: The regional chairperson of (TAS) Morogoro, during the workshop in Lusaka, Zambia

According to Hassan Mikazi, the discussions focused on key themes such as recognizing albinism as a disability, improving access to healthcare and education, addressing violence and exploitation, promoting family life and social inclusion, and the importance of data collection and reporting.

Also, the finalized Guidance Note will serve as a crucial tool for (AU) Member States to integrate the rights and needs of children with albinism into their reporting under the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of Children with albinism.

Hassan Makazi stated that the key issues discussed during the meeting included the need to recognize albinism as a disability, improve access to healthcare and education for children with albinism, address violence and exploitation, and promote family life and social inclusion.

“The meeting also emphasized the importance of data collection and reporting to inform policies and programs and the role of AU frameworks in advancing the rights of children with albinism”, added Mikazi

The impact of the meeting on people with albinism in Tanzania.

Mikazi tells The Loyal Media, that by finalizing the Guidance Note, the meeting will provide a valuable tool for the Tanzanian government to address the specific needs and challenges faced by children with albinism. This could lead to improved access to healthcare, education, and social services, as well as increased protection from violence and discrimination.

Additionally, the meeting will raise awareness about the rights and needs of people with albinism, fostering greater understanding and empathy within society.