We’ve written much about education, water, and nutrition in these newsletters but there are other issues to address and one of these is albinism. Readers might be familiar with the health issues faced by people with albinism in the UK, but not aware of the extra issues the condition causes in sub Saharan Africa, where sufferers stand out, are stigmatised, and suffer more from the sun. There is, accordingly, a need to alleviate the issues the condition produces, and New Ways is pleased to support a programme in Malawi aimed at doing just that.
In most societies people who look different are treated with suspicion and face a degree of isolation, or worse, and their families can also suffer. For albinism sufferers this is exacerbated in Malawi, where their skin makes them stand out more than it would here, but also where the health issues can be more severe. They lack the pigmentation to protect them from the sun, can be stigmatised and misunderstood. Hence the ‘Beyond My Skin’ programme which has two main components, these being healthcare and housing.
Healthcare support consists of the distribution of sunscreen lotions, and specialised dermatological camps providing skin care consultations and treatments, including surgical interventions where necessary. The housing initiative consists of the construction of seven purpose-built houses for families with albinism with benefits which include providing safe and appropriate shelter, with better protection from sunlight, more security against threats and a higher standard of living conditions so that health outcomes are improved. The housing raises their social status, integration within the community increases, bringing strengthened bonds and protective networks, and health issues are ameliorated.
So far, so good – but it does not stop there. The aim is to extend the programme to more families, to develop educational support, create more economic opportunities, and build awareness and advocacy. To see just what it means, watch our video here:
We’d love it if you could help us to help this section of the community to thrive by visiting our fundraising page here:
