First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera has called for collaboration among various sectors to protect the rights of persons with albinism.
The First Lady made the remarks during International Albinism Awareness Day at Rumphi Stadium in Rumphi, on Wednesday.
Madam Chakwera said although there have been a lot of strides in advancing the welfare of persons with albinism there is need to do more so that they fully enjoy their rights.
She also urged Malawians to be each other’s keeper to ensure that people with albinism are protected and report any suspicious activities against people with albinism to ensure that they are protected.
Association of Persons with Albinism (APAM) President, Young Muhamba commended government and other stakeholders for efforts being made to improve the welfare of people with albinism.
Muhamba among others cited stiffer punishments for those who violate rights of people with albinism, construction of houses and inclusion of sunscreen lotion and essential drugs as some of the positive efforts.
He highlighted some challenges they face during elections which expose them to the danger of skin cancer which include long queuing time and long distance to polling centres.
Minister of Gender and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, said she was happy that the government has delivered on the promises for inclusion of persons with albinism in work places and construction of houses.
Sendeza added that government is committed to ensuring that persons with albinism are protected in the country as evidenced by significant decline in attacks against them.
United Nations Resident Coordinator,Rebecca Addah Donto also urged stakeholders to be united in addressing challenges persons with albinism face.
Statistics show that there are 135,000 people with albinism in Malawi. The statistics also show that at least 80 percent of people with albinism die before the age of 40.
Malawi commemorated the event under the theme: United to empower and protect persons with Albinism during the period of elections.
Source: MANA
