By Savious Madanhire
The Zimbabwe Electrical Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has embarked on a noble initiative to protect the health and well-being of people living with albinism (PLA) by distributing sun prevention materials in a bid to shield them from the harsh effects of the heat.
ZERA officials handed over sunscreen lotions, lip balm, and hats to representatives of the Zimbabwe Albino Association (ZIMAS), who then distributed them to their members across the country, particularly in rural areas where access to sun protection materials is limited.
ZERA representative Catherine Hasha said the initiative is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility program, aimed at promoting inclusivity and supporting vulnerable communities as they have covered three provinces now hence are in the process of covering all ten provinces bit by bit.
“We are thrilled to have made a positive impact in the lives of people living with albinism in three provinces so far.
However, our journey doesn’t end here our CEO has embarked on a mission in Bulawayo to secure more funding to expand our reach to all provinces in Zimbabwe.”
“We are committed to ensuring that every individual living with albinism has access to these life-changing sun prevention materials. We believe that everyone deserves to live a life free from the fear of skin cancer and other sun-related health issues”.
During the handover ceremony, Tendai Mpofu of Disability Affairs in the Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare said that the President of Zimbabwe, in 2021 officially recognized albinism as a disability hence paving the way for people living with albinism to access government support and services.
“The Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare, we take cognizance of the controversy that surrounds the condition of albinism worldwide with some percent arguing that albinism is a disability and some say that albinism is not a disability.
I am pleased to say that the national disability policy which was launched by his Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe on 9 June 2021, clearly acknowledges albinism as a disability. The government of Zimbabwe is therefore making efforts to ensure that persons with albinism including children with albinism are not left out in all government initiatives that seek to benefit persons with disabilities including all relevant social protection programs.”
Mr Mpofu concluded by expressing his deepest gratitude to ZERA for their kindness and generosity in donating these essential sunscreen materials to our brothers and sisters living with albinism.
Speaking to this reporter the Zimbabwe Albino Association (ZIMAS) director Mrs Mercy Mawunganidze highlighted the challenges faced by people living with albinism in Zimbabwe.
“The current state of cancer hospital facilities, such as Parirenyatwa and Mpilo, is a major concern for people living with albinism and other cancer patients.
The facilities are in a deplorable state, and it’s affecting the quality of care that patients receive. We are pleading with the government to prioritize the rebuilding and refurbishment of these facilities as we are forced to travel long distances to access treatment which is also expensive”
“People living with albinism in Zimbabwe face a myriad of health and social challenges, ranging from skin cancer and vision loss to social stigma and discrimination.”
According to the Zimbabwe Albino Association (ZIMAS), approximately 13,000 people are living with albinism in the country.
However, the organization is asking the government to include sunscreen lotion in the list of essential medicines to be provided to people living with albinism, just as they do for those living with HIV and AIDS.
