An Insurance company has pledged to assist the albinos with special lotions and lip balms. (Pictured: A young albino girl receives some lotions and lip balm from AON)
The company, AON, has already assisted over 80 people in Chitungwiza and seeks to reach out to all parts of the country with Bulawayo being the next port of call. “Aon seeks to give back to the society. A person does not choose to be an albino and therefore should not be frowned upon. We saw that we could make a difference by giving lotions, hats and T-shirts. AON wants to help people understand albinism,” said Godwin Mudiwa the company Human Resources Executive.
Albinism is caused by a lack of colour pigmentation in the body, and people with the condition are vulnerable to the sun. This is why they need special lotions in order to protect their delicate skin. Albinos, all over the world suffer discrimination and in some cultures, particularly in African countries, they are killed. There have been reports in East African countries like Kenya and Uganda where albinos have been hunted down and killed with their body parts used for ritual practices.
“We felt that what was happening in East Africa was wrong. And we embarked on this programme to show people that albinos are no different to us. We are still at the early stages of the programme and we are doing everything to supply them with their basic needs on a monthly basis so as to improve their lives,” said Horinda Muchaneta, Aon Marketing and Public Relations Manager.
Post published in: News