01 Aug 2017

Albinism Society of Botswana patron and Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development Mr Nonofho Molefhi has commended those who contributed towards the successful commemoration of International Albinism awareness day in June.

During an event to appreciate the sponsors, Mr Molefhi said contributions were in monetary terms while the majority were in kind like provision of accommodation, food, sun screens, cancer testing, eye glasses, T-shirts and other related promotional merchandise.

He said through efforts of sponsors and supporters, they managed to march to the National Assembly where they handed a petition to the Speaker of the National Assembly to be read out to MPs.

Minister Molefhi said the aim of the petition was for government to give effect to the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disability and for government to sign the convention to demonstrate commitment to its ideals.

He said the convention talked to the enactment legislation that would commit governments to ensuring that people living with disability like albinos were taken care of in terms of health and educational assistance as well as their other daily needs.

He said when organisations extended a helping hand, they did not do it out of desire to attract publicity or recognition but out of love, faith and passion.

Welcoming the gathering, chairperson of Albinism Society of Botswana Mr Sergeant Kgosietsile said although the celebration of Albinism Day in Botswana was the first of its kind this year, preparations were faced with challenges due to lack of funds.

He commended doctors, the media and sponsors for making the commemoration day a success by providing all needed resources for the day to be a success.

Mr Kgosietsile said doctors contributed immensely in ensuring that people leaving with albinism were tested for cancer and eye sight. He said in most cases their risk of getting cancer was aggravated by shortage of sun screens. Mr Kgosietsile urged the community to acquaint themselves with issues surrounding albinism. ENDS