Letsatsi Selikoe 

AGAINST the tapestry of diversity that weaves humanity together, albinism stands out with its own stunning shade of uniqueness. 

More than just a genetic condition, it’s a pigment of radiance that reveals a different side of beauty. Embracing this beauty is to celebrate the unique stories and struggles, the resiliency and strength, that mark the lives of those with albinism. 

And as the sun illuminates our world, so does albinism shed light on the varied hues of human experience. 

In a society that too often prizes conformity and uniformity, albinism dares to be different. 

Those born with this condition are living proof that beauty is not measured in shades of melanin, but in the richness of their stories and the vibrancy of their spirit. 

Despite the challenges that come with living with albinism, many have turned their differences into strengths. From activists and advocates to artists and athletes, people with albinism have brought their unique perspectives and experience to the fore, inspiring change and challenging the status quo. 

However, according to international albino expert, Maluka Anne Miti-Drummond, there should be more efforts put to combat the stigma and discrimination faced by people with albinism. 

?Ms?Miti-Drummond?spoke on Friday at a press conference organised by the Ministry of Justice and Law. 

The ministry had invited her to Lesotho for a ten-day visit from 10-19 April, which saw her attending different events and touring the country, to raise awareness on challenges faced by albinos. 

During her visit to Lesotho, Ms?Miti-Drummond held meetings in Maseru and Thaba-Tseka, and participated in the 43rd Ordinary Session of the African Committee on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. 

The conference had reserved the 17th of April as a day of general discussion on the solutions to challenges of children with albinism. 

Ms Miti-Drummond?addressed the conference accompanied by her delegation which included leading experts and activists in the field. 

They discussed the need for a multifaceted approach to tackling albinism related discrimination, including legal protections, community education, and greater representation in media and public life. 

One of the key issues raised at the conference was the ongoing discrimination and mistrust that people with albinism faced, particularly in the workplace. 

She highlighted how job applicants with albinism often had their qualifications questioned or dismissed, despite having the same skills and experience as their non-albino peers. 

Albinism whose scientific name is achromasia, is a group of inherited disorders characterised by little or no melanin production. This condition increases the risk of skin cancer. 

It is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited difference present at birth. In almost all types of albinism, both parents must carry the gene for it to be passed on, even if they do not have albinism themselves. 

Its frequency worldwide is estimated to be approximately one in 17,000. 

Prevalence of the different forms of albinism varies considerably by population, and is highest overall in people of sub-Saharan African descent. 

The condition is found in both sexes regardless of ethnicity and in all countries of the world. Albinism results in a lack of pigmentation (melanin) in the hair, skin and eyes, causing vulnerability to the sun and bright light. 

Ms Miti-Drummond explained that albinism was a genetic condition that affected the production of melanin, and that despite this, people with albinism were often subjected to prejudice due to misinformation. 

She highlighted the importance of creating a more inclusive society, where people with albinism can live without fear of violence or discrimination. 

She called for increased education and awareness around the condition, as well as for greater support for people with albinism, including access to sunscreen and protective clothing to guard against the increased risk of skin cancer. 

“We have countless stories of people with albinism who have the necessary qualifications and experience, but are denied opportunities based on the preconceived notions of their abilities,” said Ms Miti-Drummond. 

She emphasized that while significant physical challenges including sensitivity to sunlight and poor eyesight could be overcome through employing protective measures and using assistive devices, the discrimination faced by people with albinism often served as an additional barrier to their wellbeing and productivity. 

“It is crucial that we not only raise awareness of the medical aspects of albinism, but also challenge the social attitudes that lead to discrimination,” she said. 

“People with albinism have just as much to offer to society as anyone else.” 

For many people with albinism living in rural areas, access to healthcare vital services is severely limited. This, Ms?Miti-Drummond said,?had a significant impact on their ability to protect their health and maintain their quality of life. 

“Without access to regular medical check-ups, people with albinism are at increased risk of skin cancer and other complications, with some developing bruises or other skin problems as a result of prolonged exposure to the sun,” explained Ms Miti-Drummond. 

In addition to the health challenges, the long distances that children with albinism walked to school could put them at risk of sunburn, skin damage, and even eyesight deterioration. 

This lack of access to education, she further noted, could limit their future opportunities and ability to fulfill their potential. 

“We must prioritize the provision of healthcare and education in rural areas, to ensure that people with albinism have the same opportunities as everyone else,” she said. 

“They deserve to live healthy and productive lives, free from discrimination and exclusion.” 

Ms Miti-Drummond?also made recommendations to the Lesotho government, to address the challenges faced by people with albinism in Lesotho. 

“To start with, we need accurate data on the number of people living with albinism in Lesotho,” she said. 

“This will help us to tailor our policies and programs to meet their needs. We also call on the government to involve people with albinism in the policy-making process, so that their voices are heard and their experiences are taken into account.” 

She said it was also essential “that we ensure that people with albinism have access to basic healthcare, including sunscreen, which is vital for protecting their skins from the sun’s harmful rays”. 

This, Ms Miti-Drummond said, should be provided in healthcare facilities across the country, particularly in rural areas. 

“In terms of education, we need to ensure that teachers are trained in the specific needs of children with albinism, so that they can provide an inclusive and supportive learning environment. This includes understanding their unique healthcare requirements and sensitivities to sunlight,” she said. 

“Finally, we must address the issue of stigma and discrimination through education and awareness-raising campaigns.” 

“We cannot achieve equality as a millennium goal by pretending that everyone is the same”. 

Instead, the world must recognize the unique needs and vulnerabilities of people with albinism and work to address these issues, she asserted. 

“We hope that by implementing these recommendations, we can create a brighter future for people with albinism in Lesotho,” she said.?