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PSI/Tanzania to screen anti-albinism killing documentary
PSI/Tanzania has been commissioned to screen educational documentary about albinism across rural areas in six regions of Tanzania
The documentary produced in the country using local actors and titled, ‘Hawa ni Wenzetu’ (they are one of us) will start being screened towards the end of this month.
According to the PSI Executive Director, Daniel Crapper, the screening aims at educating the Tanzania population about albinism in order to attempt to dispel the myths that are fuelling the killings and attacks against albino population as well as changing attitudes and opinions about Albinism at grass root level within the country.
He mentioned the six regions where the documentary will be shown to the public as Tabora, Shinyanga, Kigoma, Kagera, Mwanza and Mara. “The aim will be to screen a minimum of 35 shows per region in order to reach an estimated audience of between 30,000 and 40,000 people per region.”
Crapper said although albinism is not one of the health programmatic areas that PSI/Tanzania is working on at present, he believes that through showing of the documentary PSI/Tanzania will be helping to improve the lives of Albino Tanzanians.
The Executive Director said: “Our vision is to see a Tanzania where people are empowered to lead healthy lives. And surely this campaign will significantly contribute towards improving the lives of Albinos in the country.”
PSI/Tanzania is currently working in four health programmatic areas of HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Diarrheal Disease Prevention and Reproductive Health. It offers health services and products on those four areas.
The problem of Albino killings in Tanzania has been reported to be increasing in the last three years as the albino organs, particularly genitals, limbs, breasts, fingers and tongues are reportedly in high demand by people involved in mining and fishing activities in the Lake Victoria Zone, especially Mwanza, Shinyanga, Kigoma, Mara and Tabora regions.
Rumour has it that the albino organs possess mystical powers that can make a person fabulously rich within a short time, a misconception that the government, organizations and individuals have been tried to dispel. The documentary is also meant to put paid to these outdated beliefs in the community.
Addressing the nation last year, President Jakaya Kikwete said the Albino killings were shameful and distressing to the nation and he called on Tanzanians to crack down on such an anti-social behaviour. The President promised to put in place security arrangements that would reduce albino risks and directed local government authorities to work hard towards that end.