The Zimbabwe Albino Association is national organisation formed on the 3rd of November 1996 to remove from society the traditional based stigma and its related consequences on the person with albinism in all spheres of human activity. The primary objective of ZIMAS is to identify the specific needs of people with albinism and find way and means of raising adequate resources to either provide for some of these needs or to assist people with albinism get access to facilities that will enable them to meet their own needs.
In total ZIMAS registered membership is approximately 13 000+. Recent findings show that there is n estimated 70 000 people living with albinism in Zimbabwe (UNICEF & Ministry of Health 2015).
Why people with Albinism
People with albinism in are the most vulnerable group.in Zimbabwe.Their condition makes them vulnerable to skin cancer, the majority of people with Albinism most of whom are children are failing to access sunscreen lotions, sun hats and other protective clothing that will enable to ease their suffering due to the high levels of poverty and inequalities facing Zimbabwe.People with Albinism are still facing stigma and discrimination, this results in children dropping out of school. Some of the pressing needs are: the need for spectacles, the need for sunscreen lotion, the need for long sleeved clothes hats and shoes, the need for funds for regular checks for skin cancer symptoms and for medical treatment, the need for training and access for self help projects.
In Zimbabwe Albinism is seen as an unfortunate occurrence at best or as a curse from avenging ancestral spirits at worst. This general societal ignorance of the cause of albinism translates into fear, scorn, hate, or plain prejudice against people with albinism thereby adversely affecting their day to day life.
Mission
ZIMAS believes that all people with albinism have the capacity to reach their full potential, if barriers to success are addressed
Vision
We dream of a society without discrimination were people with albinism can fullyenjoy their human rights and contribute to policies that affect them
Objectives
• To enlighten society on the rights of people with albinism, particularly the rights of women and children with albinism.
• To provide psycho-emotional support to persons with albinism and their families
• To promote education and training for people living with albinism.
• To provide sunscreen creams and spectacles to persons with albinism
• To provide access to cancer treatment to people with albinism
Zimbabwe Albino Association 