Association of Persons with Albinism (APAM) says all is set for the commemoration of the International Albinism Awareness Day that falls on June 13 every year.
The day celebrates the rights of people with albinism and aims to increase awareness and understanding of the condition.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Monday, APAM President, Young Muhamba said as part of the celebration, APAM has organised a symposium on June 13, 2023 in Lilongwe with the aim of tackling access to justice for people with albinism.
He said APAM has, on the day, lined up a number of activities including discussions, drama and poetry in line with the 2023 theme of ‘Inclusion is Strength.’
This year’s theme has been chosen to address various forms of challenges that people with albinism are facing ranging from exclusion, stigmatisation and denial of basic rights.
He further said that this year’s commemoration is meant to appeal to the general public to uphold rights of persons with albinism in the country and commence implementation of solutions that would uphold their rights as equal citizens.
Muhamba hailed government for its efforts in maintaining security for persons with albinism but urged the judicial system to speed up cases of attacks against persons with albinism.
Ujamaa Pamodzi Africa Communications Officer, Memory Chisenga said there is need for every citizen to reflect on the barriers that society has created for persons with albinism.
“This year’s commemoration is providing each one of us an opportunity to redouble our efforts by fulfilling the vision of an inclusive society for everyone hence the theme ‘Inclusion is Strength’, she said.
Chisenga urged government and all stakeholders to make use of the month of June by raising awareness and understanding the condition as a way of fighting discrimination and stigma that people with albinism are facing.
