Before we close June - #AlbinismDay: United in making our voice heard on June 29, 2022

 People with albinism face multiple forms of discrimination worldwide

On June 13, 2022, we marked the International Albinism Awareness Day with the theme "United in making our voice heard". This data seeks to dispel the erroneous beliefs and myths that put the security and lives of persons with albinism at constant risk.

Our guest is called Future, he talked about his lifestyle, and also commented on important dates such as the Africa's year of Nutrition and the international day of the African child.

Good afternoon young man!

Good Afternoon! Thank you.

What's your name?

My name is Future.

Given that this year we are celebrating the Africa's year of nutrition and, on June 13th we mark the international day of albinism and finally on June 16th we celebrate the international day of the  African child.

We would like to know your thoughts on these dates that aim to raise awareness and mobilize people to take positive actions towards people with albinism.

Thank you very much, it is a pleasure to talk about these dates. Starting with the 13th of  June, the albinism in the Angolan context, we can say that there are still a lot of taboos in Angola, many people cannot deal with albinism in the midst of their families. But this issue is gradually being overcome. However, some people still take negative attitudes because they don't know the true concept of albinism.

In general, this is a very commemorative date in Africa, for example we can include some typical foods in the albinism diet. Now I'm going to link the dates.

Speaking about the nourished Africa, as you can see, I really like to eat grilled food, this satisfies me, I also really like calulu, it is a typical Angolan dish made up of nutrients such as okra, vegetables and herbs such as Jimboa (similar to spinach), aubergine and other nutrients that help us deal with some of our skin problems. That's how my day-to day has been.

In this way I would recommend some people of my blood group to opt for this type of diet that does not harm us but makes us stronger. This is very good!

Talking about June 16th, the International Day of the African Child, I would like to appeal to parents to educate and encourage their children not to discriminate against albinos, not to take negative practices against this group of people. Because in the end these negative attitudes don't help at all. But if we start from a good education, the albino will be treated well not only in Angola, but throughout the world.

That's why it's a pleasure to talk about it as I said at the beginning, it's also a pleasure to have you here. For today that's all.

Thank you very much!

People with albinism face multiple forms of discrimination worldwide. Albinism is still profoundly misunderstood, socially and medically. The physical appearance of persons with albinism is often the object of erroneous beliefs and myths influenced by superstition, which foster their marginalization and social exclusion. This leads to various forms of stigma and discrimination.

Consequently, in the realm of development measures, persons with albinism have been and are among those “left furthest behind.” Therefore, they ought to be targeted for human rights interventions in the manner envisioned by the Sustainable Development Goals.

2022 Theme - United in making our voice heard

The theme was chosen: 

because including voices of persons with albinism is essential to ensure equality #Inclusion4equality; 

to celebrate how groups of persons with albinism and individuals increase the visibility of persons with albinism in all domains of life; 

to encourage and celebrate unity among groups of persons with albinism; 

to amplify the voices and visibility of persons with albinism in all areas of life;

 to highlight the work being done by albinism groups around the world.

What is albinism?

Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited difference present at birth. Due to a lack of melanin in the skin and eyes, persons with albinism often have permanent visual impairment. They also face discrimination due to their skin colour; as such, they are often subject to multiple and intersecting discrimination on the grounds of both disability and colour.