People with albinism urged to access glasses

Blantyre Institute for Community Outreach executive director Professor Khumbo Kalua has encouraged persons with albinism with low vision in the Northern Region to access eye glasses from Mzuzu Central Hospital.

He said in partnership with the hospital, the institute provides glasses to persons with albinism in the region.

“We are into eye health and disability rights and we started the programme in 2019 to help learners with albinism with low vision access glasses and other devices,” said Kalua.

He said the advocacy meeting revealed a knowledge gap about their services at the hospital.

Said Kalua: “I am shocked that people with albinism are not aware of our services at the hospital in the region.

“Our services reach out to schools and benefit over 200 learners with children with low vision annually, only one adult has accessed our services.”

Association of People with Albinism in Malawi regional chairperson (North) Takondwa Nungu said members were not aware of the services at the hospital.

He said people with albinism struggle with low vision which forces most learners to drop out of school.

“We didn’t know that there are these services at Mzuzu Central Hospital. We will spread the message to all members to start accessing them,” said Nungu.