Albinism in Tanzania

Albinism in Tanzania is a genetic condition characterized by a lack of melanin in the skin, hair and eyes. The country has one of the highest reported incidences of oculocutaneous albinism (OCA2) in the world, estimated at about 1 in 1,400 births, compared to roughly 1 in 20,000 in the United States. People with albinism in Tanzania face severe social stigma, discrimination, and life-threatening attacks driven by superstition and a lucrative trade in body parts for witchcraft. Over the past two decades, dozens have been mutilated or murdered, prompting government crackdowns on witchdoctors and growing advocacy by survivors and NGOs.

Genetic basis

Albinism in Tanzania is almost exclusively oculocutaneous albinism type 2 (OCA2), an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the P gene, which impairs melanin synthesis in the skin, hair and eyes.^[1]

Prevalence and distribution

Tanzania’s prevalence is among the highest globally, with roughly one affected individual per 1,400 births.^[2]

Ukerewe Island in Lake Victoria has become a noted safe haven, where many Tanzanians with albinism live and organize cultural events to raise awareness of their condition.^[3]

Medical issues

Due to melanin deficiency, people with albinism are highly susceptible to ultraviolet damage, leading to sunburn, skin cancers and photophobia. Access to sunscreen, protective clothing and ophthalmological care is limited, especially in rural areas.^[4]

Social stigma and discrimination

Myths portray persons with albinism as ghosts, cursed beings or immune to harm, leading to ostracism in schools and communities. Many children drop out due to bullying and lack of accommodations.^[5]

Violence and ritual killings

Superstitious beliefs that body parts of people with albinism can confer wealth, health or political power have fueled abductions, mutilations and murders. Between 2008 and 2013, at least 72 killings were officially reported, though the true number may be higher.^[6]

Investigations have revealed a transnational trade: bones and other parts fetch tens of thousands of dollars on black markets, and practitioners in neighbouring countries participate in the ritual use of these remains.^[7]

In late 2009, scores of Tanzanians with albinism went into hiding as attacks surged; many survivors remain under protection in safe houses run by charities.^[8]

Legal response

In March 2015, the Tanzanian government arrested over 200 witchdoctors linked to attacks on people with albinism, signaling a major crackdown on the perpetrators.^[9]

Salum Khalfani Bar’wani became the first elected albino lawmaker in November 2010, raising the profile of disability rights in Parliament.^[10]

Advocacy and empowerment

Karate classes launched in Dar es Salaam in 2021 provide self-defence skills and build confidence among adults with albinism.^[2]

The Mr and Miss Albinism East Africa pageant, first held in December 2018, aims to demystify albinism and celebrate beauty and dignity among young adults with the condition.^[11]

See also

• Albinism in humans