Archive
Africa Focus
A record of albinism news, research, and advocacy from trusted sources around the world. Reviewed by a human editor before publication.
Jane Kasweka
Livingstone, Zambia
Delphile Bandha
Livingstone, Zambia
Purity Kashweka
Livingstone, Zambia
Dorcus Siabasimbi
Livingstone, Zambia
Carolina Khaskelis from the United States is visiting Livingstone, Zambia, where she is spending time with members of the local albinism community, including Jane Kasweka, Delphile Bandha, Purity Kashweka, and Dorcus Siabasimbi. Alongside distributing essential sunscreen, Carolina is listening to their stories and learning more about their experiences, challenges, and hopes for the future.
Africa FocusAllAfrica — AlbinismTanzania expands universal health coverage for all families
Tanzania's push to extend affordable healthcare reaches families long excluded from consistent medical access, including those managing albinism-related health needs.
Africa FocusAllAfrica — AlbinismRotary Club Mwanza links blood drive to albinism care
The Rotary Club Rock City Mwanza praised Tanzania's healthcare investments as it ran a blood campaign in a city where people with albinism face high surgical demand.
Africa FocusGoogle News — AlbinismKenya marks International Albinism Awareness Day
Gatherings across Kenya observed International Albinism Awareness Day on June 13, drawing attention to the rights and daily experiences of people with albinism.
Africa FocusGoogle News — AlbinismEswatini's cultural leaders take on albinism discrimination
Traditional leaders in Eswatini are actively challenging the beliefs that put people with albinism at risk. A new analysis examines what that leadership looks like in practice.
Africa FocusGoogle News — AlbinismTanzania sets aside Sh1.9bn for albinism skin oil
The Tanzanian government has allocated 1.9 billion shillings for protective skin oil for people with albinism, alongside new oversight measures.
Africa FocusAllAfrica — AlbinismMalawi's water and sanitation reforms stall under funding pressure
Senior officials warn Malawi must move faster on water and sanitation targets. People with albinism, who depend on clean water for sun protection routines, face compounded risk.
Africa FocusGoogle News — AlbinismHRW report documents violence against Malawians with albinism
A new Human Rights Watch report finds that people with albinism in Malawi continue to face killings, abductions, and systematic discrimination. The findings call for urgent government action.
Africa FocusGoogle News — AlbinismA pageant in Zimbabwe reframes beauty on its own terms
An annual competition in Zimbabwe centres people with albinism as its focus, challenging long-held stigma in a country where misconceptions remain widespread.
Africa FocusGoogle News — AlbinismWho is targeting people with albinism in Uganda?
Attacks on people with albinism in Uganda are drawing renewed attention, as communities and activists call for stronger protections and accountability.
Africa FocusAllAfrica — AlbinismMalawi minister links social media to youth mental health crisis
A government minister told parliament that social media exposes young Malawians to content promoting self-harm and suicidal thoughts. The warning raises particular concern for young people with albinism.
Africa FocusAllAfrica — AlbinismTanzania minister calls for local medicine research investment
Tanzania's education minister has urged greater investment in scientific research to develop medicines that address the country's specific health challenges.
Africa FocusAllAfrica — AlbinismZimbabwean migrants in South Africa fear losing healthcare
Zimbabwean immigrants in Louis Trichardt report being turned away from clinics, with some told their chronic medication will no longer be dispensed.
Africa FocusAllAfrica — AlbinismMalawi's doctor shortage leaves 20 million underserved
Malawi has roughly 600 doctors for a population of 20 million. The crisis has direct consequences for people with albinism who depend on specialist care.
Africa FocusAllAfrica — AlbinismAfrica's health security gaps persist despite recent progress
A new index finds African nations have strengthened health infrastructure, but funding has not kept pace with the improvements made.
Africa FocusGoogle News — AlbinismDiscrimination against people with albinism persists in Malawi
A new report documents continued discrimination facing people with albinism in Malawi, across education, healthcare, and daily life.
Africa FocusAllAfrica — AlbinismAfrica's disease burden remains largely uncounted, WHO warns
Non-communicable diseases affect millions across Africa, yet reliable data remains scarce. A WHO official says the continent sees only a partial picture of its true NCD burden.
Africa FocusGoogle News — AlbinismMalawi adopts a national action plan on albinism
Human Rights Watch reports that Malawi has introduced a formal national action plan addressing the rights and protection of people with albinism.
Africa FocusReuters Health (Albinism via Google News)Tanzania criticises film on witchcraft attacks
A Reuters report details Tanzania's official response to a documentary recording attacks on people with albinism linked to witchcraft beliefs.
Africa FocusOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismMalawi's women with albinism face layered discrimination
A UN expert report documents how women and girls with albinism in Malawi face compounding threats — from ritual violence to exclusion in healthcare and education.
Africa FocusOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN expert makes first official visit to Tanzania
The UN Independent Expert on Albinism is travelling to Tanzania to assess conditions facing people with albinism. It marks the first such official visit to the country.