Apam wants proper strategy on PWAs

The Association of People with Albinism in Malawi (Apam) has stressed the need for a proper strategy to protect people with albinism, especially on usage of the alarm system.

In an interview yesterday, Apam acting national coordinator Menard Zakaliya said there have been gaps in the implementation of the strategy.

He said such gaps pose a threat to the protection of people with albinism.

To help address the concerns, the Malawi Police Service last September began distributing personal security alarms.

Authorities said the alarm which is sounded when a pin is pulled, alerts people in nearby neighbourhoods.

At least 5 000 of the alarms have been distributed to people with albinism.

However, Zakaliya said maintenance of the gadget has been a challenge for many users.

He said: “There was not enough training on the gadgets. Maintenance of the gadgets is a challenge. When the gadgets malfunction, people end up dumping them.”

Zakaliya said most of the people that got the gadgets also do not have access to electricity yet some of the gadgets need to be charged for them to operate.

He called for a proper strategy on the gadgets so that people are able to use them effectively.

In a separate interview, National Police spokesperson James Kadadzera said the issue borders on security of people with albinism and would not comment on the matter.

Malawi has more than 134 000 people with albinism, representing 0.8 percent of the population, according to the National Statistical Office data of 2018. Since 2014, about 26 people with albinism in Malawi have been killed while 11 remain missing, according to Apam.