By: Problyn J. Alpha
Mary Conteh, the Gender Officer of the Sierra Leone Association for Persons with Albinism in Bombali District, has expressed deep concern over the ill-treatment of individuals with albinism in the district. She made this statement while discussing the various challenges faced by persons with albinism.
Madam Conteh addressed the harmful perceptions some people have towards individuals with albinism, who are often stigmatized and referred to as “aliens” or wrongly believed to be born as a result of sexual intercourse occurring during a woman’s menstrual cycle. She clarified that albinism is caused by a lack of melanin, a natural pigment produced in the skin, hair, and eyes by specialized cells called melanocytes. “Albinos are human beings like everyone else, and their condition is simply a genetic trait,” she said.
Highlighting the difficulties faced by persons with albinism, Conteh pointed out several health-related challenges. These include severe sun sensitivity, a high risk of skin cancer, and various visual impairments. However, she emphasized that one of the greatest challenges they face is climate change. “Whenever they are exposed to the sun, their skin gets burned, leading to black spots all over their bodies, which can sometimes result in untimely death,” she explained.
Mary Conteh also called on the government of Sierra Leone and other humanitarian organizations to consider persons with albinism for employment opportunities, noting that there are many skilled and educated individuals with albinism who are capable of contributing to society.