Photo:abantu.blogspot.com/2008/10/in-solidarity.html
NAIROBI, Kenya — The mistaken belief that albino body parts have magical powers has driven thousands of Africa’s albinos into hiding, fearful of losing their lives and limbs to unscrupulous dealers who can make up to $75,000 selling a complete dismembered set.
Mary Owido, who lacks pigment that gives color to skin, eyes and hair, says she is only comfortable when at work or at home with her husband and children.
“Wherever I go people start talking about me, saying that my legs and hands can fetch a fortune in Tanzania,” said Owido, 36, a mother of six. “This kind of talk scares me. I am afraid of going out alone.”
Since 2007, 44 albinos have been killed in Tanzania and 14 others have been slain in Burundi, sparking widespread fear among albinos in East Africa.
At least 10,000 have been displaced or gone into hiding since the killings began, according to a report released this week by the International Federation for the Red Cross and Crescent societies.
East Africa’s latest albino murder happened in Tanzania’s Mwanza region in late October, when albino hunters beheaded 10-year-old Gasper Elikana and chopped off his leg, the report said. The killing left Elikana’s father, who tried to defend his son, seriously injured.
Photo: CNN- Albino children take a break earlier this year at a Tanzanian school for the blind, which has become a rare sanctuary.
Albinism is a hereditary condition, but occurs only when both parents have albinism genes. All six of Owido’s children have normal skin color. Read the full Story at Huffington Post
Eye Bogglers
- 1 in 17,000 people in the USA are albinos
- There are approximately 150,000 albinos live in Tanzania. Cause: Genetic mutations that affect the production of a pigment called melanin(Giving skin, hair, and eyes pigmentation). In albinism, the melanocytes are present, but genetic mutations interfere with their pigment production or their ability to distribute it to keratinocytes, the major cell type comprising the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin.
- There are 10 types of the most common form of the condition, known as oculocutaneous albinism, which affects the eyes, hair, and skin. In its most severe form, hair and skin remain white throughout life. People with a less severe form are born with white hair and skin, which turn slightly darker as they age. Those with oculocutaneous albinism often experience abnormal flickering eye movements (nystagmus) and sensitivity to bright light. There may be other eye problems as well, including poor vision and crossed or lazy eyes (strabismus). Source: Bookrags
References: abantu blogspot
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