September is Albinism Awareness Month: A parent’s perspective
According to a UN study, more than 200 albinos have been murdered in Africa over the past decade driven by the myth of witchery.
Love a child with albinism in abundance and build their self-esteem and confidence because a cruel and judgmental society filled with stigmatisation awaits them.
This is the message from Margaret Stevens, the mother of Megan who is a proud Albino.
Margaret wants to raise awareness about the stigma suffered by those with this rare genetic condition. September is Albinism Awareness Month.
Steven’s is MISA’s Woman of the Year 2021 and works as a receptionist at Volvo Trucks and Buses Bloemfontein.
Margaret says at birth the nurses assisting her thought Megan needed oxygen because she was so pale.
ALSO READ: A different kind of family – overcoming albinism
“She was the most beautiful baby, but people talked behind my back, wondering if her father was a white man. Megan’s father never said anything, but our marriage deteriorated and before she was three years old, he left home and avoided contact with us.”
Another mother who gave birth to a baby with albinism and who Margaret spoke to said her husband gave her an ultimatum to choose between him and the baby.
“This couple’s marriage also ended in divorce. The mother was shy and used to lock her baby in the car, too afraid of being seen with the child.
“In the black communities, the stigma was even worse because albinism is linked to witchery.”
Margaret said she has witnessed many albinos neglect their health by not covering themselves with sunblock and avoiding the sun.
“I protected Megan to the best of my ability. She never disappointed me and today I am very proud of her and her achievements.”
DID YOU KNOW?
• Albinism is caused by mutations, or changes, of certain genes that affect the amount of melanin your body produces. Melanin controls the pigmentation (colour) of your skin, eyes and hair.
• People with albinism have extremely pale skin, eyes and hair. They’re at an increased risk of vision, skin and social issues.
• According to the United Nations (UN), 98% of people with albinism in Africa do not live beyond 40 because of sun exposure, with skin cancers responsible for at least 80% of deaths.
• According to a UN study, more than 200 albinos have been murdered in Africa over the past decade driven by the myth of witchery.
ALSO READ: ‘Albinism is not a disease’ – Ashley Phillips
