International Albinism Awareness Day is an annual observance held on June 13th. It aims to raise global awareness about albinism, promote the rights and well-being of persons with albinism, and challenge the stereotypes and discrimination they face. This day serves as an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of persons with albinism, as well as to educate the public about the challenges they encounter in various aspects of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and social inclusion. International Albinism Awareness Day seeks to foster a more inclusive and accepting society, where persons with albinism can live with dignity, respect, and equal opportunities.
ZAPD Celebrates 2023 International Albinism Day
On June 13th, 2023, the Agency with the support from the Government, United Nations and various Organizations of Persons with Disabilities joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Albinism Awareness Day under the theme, “Inclusion is Strength” which is aimed at ensuring the inclusion of the voices of Persons with Albinism in all sectors of Life.
Commemorations were held in various provinces with the main event held in Lusaka at Taj Pamodzi Hotel. The Guest of Honour was the Acting Minister of Community Development and Social Services Hon. Elvis Nkandu , MP and was represented by the Director Social Welfare Mr. Nelson Nyangu. He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to protecting the rights of Persons with Albinism including the right to education, employment and healthcare. He further stressed on the need to unite in the efforts to build an inclusive and just society for everyone, irrespective of the skin color or any other physical characteristic as all deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
Speaking at the same event, the ZAPD Vice Board Chairperson, Mr. James Mwitwa called for the need of the Government to Ratify the African Disability Protocol as it would serve as a crucial milestone in the ongoing fight for rights of Persons with Albinism in Zambia; and implored the public to help fight against the discrimination, killing, abduction and violence targeting Persons with Albinism.
