By Wendy Mkandawire
The Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) has commended Standing Voice organization for planning to assist persons with albinism with free eye examinations, free prescription glasses and other assistive vision devices.
The outreach is scheduled for 20th to 23rd October 2026 in Blantyre.
Speaking in an interview, APAM Secretary for the Blantyre Chapter, Julius Bwanali, said the initiative is important because it will help persons with albinism access glasses, noting that buying them is very expensive.
Bwanali said eye problems are common among persons with albinism, but accessing glasses remains a major challenge due to their high cost.
He stressed that persons with albinism continue to face multiple challenges in Malawi, ranging from the high cost of lotions and glasses to severe skin problems, especially during the summer season.
He said the association has been appealing to well-wishers to assist with umbrellas, sunglasses, lotions and long-sleeved clothes to protect them from the sun.
Bwanali also decried persistent discrimination and stigma, saying that in some communities, a woman who gives birth to a child with albinism is accused of committing a sin and is criticized.
He has since urged government, through the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, to deliberately include persons with albinism in development projects and employment opportunities to reduce dependency.
Standing Voice, which champions the rights and welfare of persons with albinism, says the nationwide outreach seeks to ensure that no person with albinism is left behind in accessing essential eye care services.
