For those suffering with albinism in Northern Namibia, 30 will be their last
birthday.
Albinism results when both parents carry a recessive gene. Each of the
parents who carry the gene can go onto have a non-albino child with another
partner who does not carry the gene. But when both parents carry the gene there
is a one in four chance that each pregnancy will result in an albino child.
This misunderstood condition meant that albino babies were left in the
bush for the wild animals to take away as the mothers believed that they
brought bad luck. Education is slowly making a difference for those suffering
with albinism in Namibia. Albino children used to be covered in moisturiser and
then let out to work in the intense sun, with the cream acting as oil.
Groups such as the Rotary club are setting up health centres where albinos
can go to collect free sun-cream and hats. The patient must have their
photograph taken for their ID card to collect the cream, but for many, they can't
cover the cost of the photograph. Unfortunately with poverty comes
corruption. Some centres have been charging for the cream or else stealing it
to sell on the black market. It is a slow process but teachers and parents are
slowly being educated about the condition and so life in the future should
improve for those suffering with the condition in Namibia.
