This Monday, June 13 is International Albinism Awareness Day. People with albinism are sometimes victims of ritual crimes in some African countries. Congo-Brazzaville has not yet recorded cases of assassination and ritual crimes against albinos, but they nevertheless face discrimination in schools or hospitals. The Jhony Chancel Association for Albinos (AJCA) has planned a series of activities as part of this world day, including the distribution of protective creams to fight against skin spots.
With our correspondent in Brazzaville, Loicia Martial
Suit and tie, clean-shaven hair, Jhony Chancel Ngamouana is sitting in the office of the association he has been running for 12 years; an association that bears his name. Behind him are the flags of Congo and other countries that support his activities. This nearly 40-year-old albino regrets the discrimination albinos face on a daily basis.
” Here, we have never recorded murder cases like in other countries. But discrimination, injustice and stigma persist in all areas. We think it’s an awareness issue. Today, in our country, we still have pupils (albinos) who cannot finish their school course because their friends insult and discriminate against them. “, he denounces.
This Monday, theAssociation Jhony Chancel for albinos (AJCA), together with other partner organizations from the sub-region, wants to mark the occasion on this awareness day. ” We will distribute sunscreen, sunglasses and other creams needed to (heal) the skin of albinos “, he announces.
The AJCA also has a clinic which has already treated several hundred albinos against skin cancer. But, five of them, arrived at a very advanced stage of the disease, have unfortunately succumbed in the last six months.
► Also to listen : in Congo-B, a screening campaign for skin cancer among albinos