By Precious D. Freeman
As yesterday June 13, 2023 marks the International Albinism Awareness Day around the world, an albinism advocator, Madam Vangerline Kpotoe is calling on the government of Liberia through the office of the President George M. Weah to see the need of appointing People With Albino (PWA) in the Government.
According to her, they cannot experience a growing economy when People with Albinism (PWA) are being left out and marginalized by their own people because of skin pigment.
According to her PWA are also supposed to be giving the opportunity to serve as Minister, Deputy Minister, Asst. Minister, Director General, Executive Director, etc. once they meet the relevant qualification and criteria to serve because this is in keeping with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Person with Disabilities.
Madam Kpotoe mentioned that as this year’s theme is: “Inclusion is Strength,” Its aim is to ensure the inclusion of the voices of persons with albinism in all sectors of society, and it emphasizes the importance of inclusion and diversity among people from both within and outside the albinism community.
She added that supportive measures taken by the government must include the employment of a number of PWA in various Ministries/Agencies and we are kindly urging the office of every Ministers MD, DG, ED and among others to consider employing PWA in other key positions that they can ably represent.
“Albinism is a rare genetic condition in which the skin, hair, and eyes lack pigmentation (melanin), making them vulnerable to the sun and bright light. Even though albinism is not contagious, most people who have it have trouble seeing and are more likely to get skin cancer,” she said.
“Living with albinism can be challenging, but with proper management and support, individuals with this condition can lead healthy, fulfilled lives. It’s important to raise awareness about albinism and its impact on those living with the condition. By recognizing others and promoting acceptance and inclusivity, we can create a more understanding and compassionate society for everyone, Madam Kpotoe believed.
She stated that as the theme of this year’s celebration states: “Inclusion to Strength,” Albinos often face additional challenges including lack of resources and capacity, limited links with other human rights organizations, and threats to their right to live.
“As a signatory to the Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities (CPRD), Liberia must commit to protecting all of its citizens including Albinos in keeping with its constitutional obligations of equal protection for all persons under the law,” she said.
She furthered that amid the prevailing circumstances, she wants to take this time to appreciate President George M. Weah, who made some intervention relating to the payment of medical bills
In a few societies all over the planet, and especially in numerous African nations, individuals with albinism live in constant fear due to discrimination and the possibility of being murder.
Others are subjected to severe bullying, ostracism and marginalization, however, as opposed to some nations, Liberia does not have a record of extracting parts of persons living with albinism, but here, they face serious challenges with their living conditions, educational, financial stability, low rate of employment as well as limited healthcare which lead to worsening conditions of skin cancer due to exposure to severe sun ray.
Skin cancer ends the life of nine out of ten people with albinism before reaching the age of 30. However, they also suffer in other ways, they are discriminated against for their appearance and persecuted based on the perception of entrenched superstitions.
In Montserrado, five (5) albinos came down with skin cancer in 2022, and three died due to the severity of their condition.
Skin cancer has become a major threat to People With Albinism (PWA), although it can be prevented, however, the lack of access to proper care for Albinos in Liberia must be addressed to the fullest because we too are an integral part of society and like others, we have one life.
As a result of neglect, Albinos are most often condemned to extreme poverty where their only option is to earn a living working outdoors under conditions where they are exposed to intense UV levels over prolonged periods of time. Majority of their jobs are unskilled and they most often turn to street selling to win a daily bread.
The problem is compounded by the fact that the condition of albinism is not included in health education programs, which causes a total absence of information about the disorder among communities.
