World Share Expands Support for Children with Albinism in Tanzania

During school class time, regular students are helping an albino student with poor eyesight. Worldshare

World Share, an international relief and development NGO (Chairperson Choi Soonja), announced on June 5 that it is carrying out support projects in Tanzania, Africa to protect the health and rights of children with albinism who are exposed to daily discrimination and danger.

June 13 is designated by the United Nations as "International Albinism Awareness Day," a day established to improve awareness about albinism and eradicate violence and discrimination. Tanzania has one of the highest prevalence rates of albinism in the world. In Tanzania, approximately 1 in every 1,400 people has albinism, which is significantly higher than the global average of about 1 in 17,000.

Children with albinism, who lack melanin, are particularly vulnerable to visual impairments. However, due to the lack of adequate medical infrastructure and the chronic shortage of sun protection products in the region, they face significant difficulties in maintaining their education and daily lives. Most children with albinism suffer from severe skin diseases before reaching adulthood, and many die before the age of 40. The average life expectancy of children with albinism in Tanzania is only 32 years, which is half that of non-albino children. In addition to these health issues, bullying and social prejudice due to differences in skin color are major obstacles for children with albinism to be respected members of their communities.

Since 2019, World Share has been carrying out sponsorship and support projects for children with albinism in the Dar es Salaam region of Tanzania to address these issues. The organization regularly provides essential items such as sunscreen, hats, and school supplies to children with albinism, and periodically monitors their health and living conditions, connecting them to medical support when necessary.

Albino children are receiving vision tests at a health screening event supported by World Share. World Share

In particular, from June 12 to 13 this year, to commemorate International Albinism Awareness Day, a "Tanzania Albinism Day" event will be held in the Kigoma region of Tanzania. This event is co-hosted by World Share and the Tanzania Albinism Society (TAS), and will feature various programs for children with albinism and their families from across Tanzania, including the distribution of sun protection products, dermatology and ophthalmology health screenings, an albinism awareness campaign, cultural performances, and activities for children.

Ahn Urim, head of the World Share Tanzania branch, said, "Children with albinism suffer not only from skin cancer and vision problems, but also from social discrimination and threats simply because they stand out. On the occasion of this International Albinism Awareness Day, we hope more people will pay attention to the human rights issues faced by people with albinism, and we will do our best to ensure that these children can receive an education in a safe environment."