By Austine Kananji
Lilongwe, June 13, Mana: Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza has said Malawi will join the rest of the world in observing this year's Albinism Awareness Day as one of way of addressing the plight of people with albinism.

Sendeza made the disclosure on Friday during the press briefing that was held at Capital Hill in Lilongwe in respect of the 20125 International Albinism Awareness Day considering that June 13 is the International Albinism awareness day designated by the United Nations General Assembly on December 18, 2014 as an annual event aimed at promoting awareness about issues of albinism.

“I would like to announce that this year’s function to commemorate the International Albinism Awareness Day in Malawi will be held on Tuesday, the 17th of June 2025 in Machinga District at Michongwe Primary School ground in Ntaja,” she said.

The minister, therefore, commended the Association of People with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) for their advocacy work in the country, particularly in fighting for the rights of all people with albinism, whose voices are usually not heard.

“You have always remained vigilant and continuously worked closely with my Ministry so that we promote the well-being of all persons with albinism,” she added.

APAM President, Young Muhamba said the Malawi political landscape and political parties need the inclusion of people with albinism, noting that that political parties should not spread messages of violence as the September 16 general elections campaign period approaches.

“We would like to see people with albinism being protected, being secure and they should be allowed to participate in the election as voters as well as candidates,” Muhamba said.

Muhamba also commended the Malawi Government for putting different strategies to make people with albinism enjoy their human rights and have sustainable livelihoods.

However, he urged government to put more effort in putting strategies that will help people with albinism be protected, saying the National Action Plan should be well funded and well implemented, as the allocated K300 million is still negligible considering the activities lined up to be implemented in the action plan.

The localised theme for this year’s Albinism Awareness Day is: ‘United for peace and inclusion: strengthening the protection of persons with albinism during all times, including elections.”