Albinism in Tanzania

Changing Dangers

Albinism has long been stigmatized in Tanzania and East Africa, rooted in harmful traditional beliefs about the supposed "supernatural" nature of persons with albinism (PWAs). The condition is sometimes understood as a curse, while others believe PWAs are ghosts. Still others believe that PWAs cannot die, and that they simply disappear due to their demonic nature. In fact, albinism is caused by a mutation of the "albino gene" OCA2, which produces the melanin pigment responsible for color in the skin. It is likely carried in a recessive gene by 1 out of 19 Tanzanians, and presents physically in 1 out of 1,400 people in the country. For albinism to occur, both parents must carry the recessive gene.

With the commonality of this condition, there is a growing effort to destigmatize the condition and spread awareness of the genetic truths. However, an obstacle to acceptance arose in the mid-2000s, when a new superstition gained prominence: That good luck could be created by using the body parts of PWAs in traditional medicines. This dehumanizing belief spread rapidly and led to a wave of kidnappings and trafficking that continues to this day. Still, PWAs are targeted for their "magical" body parts, often attacked, kidnapped, and trafficked for the "good luck" of wealthy perpetrators. The UN determined that an albino body could be sold for $75,000, and a limb for about $15,000. However, laws passed by the Tanzanian government and rulings in the African Court of Human and Peoples' Rights have led to policy changes for the better.

What Next?

While these landmark rulings have been transformational, there is still much to do. The history of discrimination has resulted in the marginalization of this community, which still needs to be rectified at the grassroots level. This is where Peacemakers for Albinism (PAC) comes in. They seek to provide safety, community, economic opportunities, and safe schooling for PWA's in TZ to right these historic wrongs. PAC also goes beyond the individual, working with the families of children with albinism to ensure they understand the condition.

By teaching the genetics behind albinism, PAC has been able to heal relationships and bring families back together. Going even further, PAC goes into the broader neighborhoods to educate locals about albinism and how they can protect their friends and neighbors with albinism. Whether kilometers into the mountains or next door, PAC wants to educate everyone on the truth behind albinism. Through this simple education, much can be changed.

Real Causes of Albinism

Genetic, not magical.

Albinism is a genetically inherited condition in which the body is unable to create enough melanin (pigment) in the skin, hair, and eyes. Albinism results in light skin, hair, and eyes, usually poor vision, and sometimes poor hearing.

Both parents must carry the gene in order to have a child with albinism, although because it's recessive, both parents may be black. For example, if a non-albino mother and father both have one mutated copy, the likelihood of albinism in a given child will be 25 percent.

Albinism is found in every country in the world, with an average rate of 1 in every 20,000 births, but the prevalence in Africa is much higher. While the data in Tanzania is inadequate, the rate seems close to 1 in 2,000; this is likely because of the genetic link. In a country of 59 million people, this means about 30,000 Tanzanians have albinism.

Albinism in Tanzania

Changing Dangers

What Next?

Real Causes of Albinism

Further Reading