One Encounter, A Lifelong Mission

Dr. Kakusa’s advocacy journey began with a single, life-changing moment.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – 25 - 06 - 2025 - Zambia on Wednesday joined the global community in commemorating International Albinism Awareness Day, with a renewed call for the protection, empowerment, and full inclusion of persons with albinism, a vulnerable group that continues to face systemic discrimination and violence.

Speaking during the commemoration held in Lusaka under the theme “Demanding Our Rights: Protect Our Lives,” Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Angela Chomba Kawandami, who was represented by And Nosiku Lifumbela Mulambia reaffirmed  the government’s commitment to enforcing laws that protect persons with albinism and promoting access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.

“No one should suffer discrimination or violence because of albinism,” Kawandami said. “We are committed to building a more inclusive Zambia where everyone can thrive regardless of their condition.”

Kawandami condemned harmful superstitions and traditional beliefs that put people with albinism at risk and urged families and communities to offer protection and support. 

She praised civil society organizations such as the Performance Management Group (PMG) and Light for the World Foundation for championing awareness and providing essential support.

“Skin cancer and other health challenges continue to disproportionately affect persons with albinism,” she said. 

“Access to sunscreen and preventive care must be prioritized.”

The event attracted participation from government officials, civil society, development partners, and members of the albinism community.

PMG representative Dr. Janet Kakusa made a passionate appeal for continued national support, revealing that her advocacy journey began in 2017 after a life-changing encounter with a child with albinism in rural Zambia.

“That moment changed my life,” she said. “Although I had worked in disability advocacy for years, that child made me realise how little attention we gave to the specific needs of persons with albinism.”

Dr. Kakusa, also a trained chaplain, said PMG has since invested over K18 million in educational support, health interventions, and social protection for persons with albinism and other disabilities. 

These efforts include the provision of scholarships, sunscreen, and partnerships with government ministries and the private sector.

“We work closely with the Ministry of Community Development, the Zambia Police, and corporate partners like Southern Sun to deliver real impact,” she said. 

“Inclusions  and protection must be a national priority.”

One of the beneficiaries, Even Mapiki, shared a heartfelt account of how PMG transformed his life after he joined the organisation at age 10.

“PMG supported my education and gave me purpose,” he said. “It’s an organisation that uplifts all people with disabilities. I encourage others to support this work.”

Also speaking at the event, Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) Provincial Coordinator Elivas Nyirenda called for stronger legal protection for persons with albinism and stiffer penalties against perpetrators of violence.

“Anyone who harms a person with albinism should be sentenced to life imprisonment,” he said. “We need serious deterrence to protect this vulnerable group.”

Nyirenda welcomed the launch of the Revised National Disability Policy, which aims to improve access to services and justice for persons with disabilities. 

He said ZAPD is working with the Ministry of Health to ensure sunscreen is available in all district health facilities.

He further condemned superstitions linking albinism to witchcraft, describing them as dangerous and inhumane.

“Our skin may differ, but our rights are the same,” Nyirenda said. “Public education is crucial to ending these myths and building a society rooted in dignity and equality.”