Association of Persons with Albinism Recognizes Positive Changes in Malawi

Malawi-The Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) acknowledges the positive strides made in the country, despite the challenges they face in their daily activities, writes Bridget Mwanoka.

Speaking at an interface with the Blantyre Institute for Community Ophthalmology (Bico) on February 13, 2023, in Lilongwe, Maynard Zacharia, the APAM National Coordinator, expressed gratitude for the change in attitude towards them, including being appointed to various positions.

"Apart from various stakeholders coming to the forefront to help us in various aspects, there is a change of attitude in workplaces and schools, a thing that needs to be noticed and appreciated," Zacharia said.

Zacharia also expressed excitement about Bico's partnership with APAM to address visual impairment challenges.

In response, the Director of the Blantyre Institute for Community Ophthalmology, Prof. Khumbo Kalua, said, "We are aware of the challenges they have with sight and the importance of them being treated promptly to maximize visual activity and minimize amblyopia, that's where we come in as experts."

Since they are still at risk of being killed or kidnapped because of false beliefs that their body parts can be used for good luck in witchcraft rituals, APAM has challenged other pertinent stakeholders to help address security issues.