CHIEF Mwaanza of the Tonga people in Monze District has promised to cooperate with anyone who will protect the life and freedom of people living with albinism in his chiefdom. 

He said this when he welcomed Butterfly Foundation Zambia who are in the chiefdom to sensitize residents about albinism in order to end discrimination against people living with albinism. 

Chief Mwaanza who spoke through his representative Morris Moonga recalled that the chiefdom lost a school going girl child who was living with albinism a few weeks ago due to the fear of discrimination.

He noted that the child was on her way from school when the rains started but could not seek refuge at nearby homes because of the fear of discrimination.

“She continued walking in the rain and eventually drowned while trying to cross a river on her way to her mother’s home,” said Chief Mwaanza.

Meanwhile, Butterfly Foundation Zambia Country Director Grace Mwenge bemoaned the prevalence of myths and misconceptions about albinism especially in rural areas. 

Ms Mwenge stated that it is unfortunate beliefs about body parts of people with albinism can be used for charms are still rampant. 

She observed that it is common for men in rural areas to think the woman is at fault when she gives birth to a child with albinism. 

“Butterfly Foundation believes that now is the best time to fight discrimination and misconceptions against and about people living with albinism,” said Ms Mwenge.

And Mazabuka District Commissioner Oliver Mulomba warned families who cover up acts of discrimination against people living with albinism. 

Mr Mulomba noted that citizens who hide acts of discrimination against people living with albinism in the name of protecting the family will face the wrath of law.

“People living with albinism should enjoy the freedom and rights that we all enjoy because they are equally human beings,” he said.