Conference calls for more awareness regarding Albinism
The event served as a platform for the release of a research project done in multiple countries.
The Mothering and Albinism Conference took place last week from October 2 – 4 at the Loftus Park hotel in Arcadia, Pretoria Central.
Among the topics discussed, the common consensus shared by attendees was that more needed to be done to educate those who do not suffer from this disorder to better treat those living with it.
The public forum took place on Monday, October 2, providing a platform for different stakeholders to engage over the research report focusing on the birthing stories of mothers of children with albinism.
The purpose of the forum was to bring together various stakeholders – persons with albinism, mothers of persons with albinism, government, NGO and civil society organisation advocates, healthcare providers, educators and researchers – to learn about the outcomes of the hosts’ research project in South Africa.
Stakeholders involved in the effort included the National Albinism task force in South Africa, the Albinism society of South Africa, Africa Albinism network (Tanzania), the University of Pretoria, UP school of healthcare sciences and UP centre for human rights, and the Trinity Western University (Canada).
“We need to raise awareness about albinism, work with your fellow community members with issues such as policymakers, advocates, healthcare providers, educators, faith leaders, traditional healers and community members,” said member of the Africa Albinism alliance and conference chair, Innocentia Migijima-Konopi.
Migijima-Konopi also emphasised the need to foster this education and care from birth.
“Embrace the baby with albinism and affirm that they can thrive when embraced by their family and community. Ensure parents are provided education about the genetic causes of albinism starting at birth,” she said.
More support for mothers and their children, including access to skin and vision care, sunscreen and disability grants was also called for during the conference. Stakeholders also called for strengthened government policies on gender equality and disability rights.
The conference also included the premiere of Mothering and Albinism’s South African short film, where producer Puleng Molebatsi showed the resilience of mothers impacted by albinism as human rights claimants and defenders.
Watch the short film here: https://motheringandalbinism.com/2023/09/12/upcoming-public-forum/
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