Climbers raise albinism awareness

Mr Josephat Torner, the resident director of Josephat Torner Foundation Europe (JTFE).

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The event is also expected to send a clear message that people with albinism - a skin ailment - should not be isolated, harmed or killed for superstitious beliefs.

Arusha. At least Sh70 million will be raised when 50 mountain climbers from across the world climb Mt Kilimanjaro in order to sensitise the society on the plight of people with albinism.

The event is also expected to send a clear message that people with albinism - a skin ailment - should not be isolated, harmed or killed for superstitious beliefs.

“It is unfortunate that people with albinism in Africa are hunted down for their body parts,” said Mr Josephat Torner, the resident director of Josephat Torner Foundation Europe (JTFE), which will organise the mountain climb.

He told reporters here at the weekend that although the killing of albinos in Tanzania has gone down compared to what it was a decade ago, their security concerns are still lingering.

“We should put more effort in saving their lives,” he said, adding that 35 of the mountain climbers will come from Europe and the rest from several African countries.

Those from Europe will contribute Sh2 million each to sustain the on-going public senstisation campaign against the killing or discrimination of the albinos and seek ways to improve their welfare. Mr Torner said Kilimanjaro mountain climbing will be held annually for three consecutive years starting from next month. This will also help promote the mountain as a tourist attraction.

The local coordinator of the Netherlands-based JTFE Ms Zipporah Ernest said there will be 17 albinos who will climb the highest mountain on the continent. Medical doctors will also be part of the expedition. Albinism is an ailment caused by lack of mellanine in the skin. It is estimated that at least 8,000 people have been registered as people with albinism by the Tanzania Albino Society (TAS). Arusha Region and neighbouring Manyara are reported to have an estimated 260 people with albinism. Medical experts say nine out of 10 people living with albinism die before turning 30 years old.

The short life span has been attributed to lack of lotions with which to protect their delicate skin from the harmful sun rays. The lotions are recommended by the medical doctors. The killing of the albinos has been driven by beliefs - advanced by some witch doctors - that their body parts have properties that confer wealth and good luck.

Nearly 80 albino Tanzanians are reported to have been killed since 2000, according to UN estimates.

According to the Red Cross, witch doctors are prepared to pay up to $75,000 (about Sh170 million) for a complete set of albino body parts.