In Tanzania, the EU funds the « Maisha Yetu Project » which aims at challenging discrimination and witchcraft-related violence against people with albinism. This video aims to raise awareness on the fact that people living with albinism need to be protected and cherished and have a right to lead normal lives.
The 2012 Tanzania National Population and Housing Census revealed that 0.04% of mainland population and 0.03% of the island population has albinism. However, other sources believe that the actual numbers are much higher and estimate a total population of approximately 30,000 individuals. The reason official statistics are likely to be underrepresenting People With Albinism (PWA) is due to the fact that often families tend to conceal their members with albinism because of their fear of putting them in danger. Since 2006 there have been over 180 recorded episodes of violence against PWA in Tanzania. Despite a decrease of incidents in the last years, the problem is far from being solved, as demonstrated by the latest attacks recorded in January 2019 in Mwanza and Arusha.
Since 2006 there have been over 180 recorded episodes of violence against PWA in Tanzania.
The ongoing persecution of PWA, together with the emergence of new phenomena, such as the ritual killing of 9 children in Njombe last year, highlight the need for an increased effort in tackling discrimination and harmful traditional beliefs and superstitions, which is a breeding ground for witchcraft-related violence.