Albinism in Tanzania is a genetic condition characterized by a lack of melanin in the skin, hair and eyes in the United Republic of Tanzania. The country has one of the highest reported incidences of oculocutaneous albinism (OCA2) in the world, estimated at about 1 in 1,400 births, compared to roughly 1 in 20,000 in the United States. People with albinism in Tanzania face severe social stigma, discrimination, and life-threatening attacks driven by superstition and a lucrative trade in body parts for witchcraft. Over the past two decades, dozens have been mutilated or murdered, prompting government crackdowns on witchdoctors and growing advocacy by survivors and NGOs.
Albinism in Tanzania is almost exclusively oculocutaneous albinism type 2 (OCA2), an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the P gene, which impairs melanin synthesis in the skin, hair and eyes. [1]
Tanzania’s prevalence is among the highest globally, with roughly one affected individual per 1,400 births. [2]
Ukerewe Island in Lake Victoria has become a noted safe haven, where many Tanzanians with albinism live and organize cultural events to raise awareness of their condition. [3]
Due to melanin deficiency, people with albinism are highly susceptible to ultraviolet damage, leading to sunburn, skin cancers and photophobia. Access to sunscreen, protective clothing and ophthalmological care is limited, especially in rural areas. [4]
Myths portray persons with albinism as ghosts, cursed beings or immune to harm, leading to ostracism in schools and communities. Many children drop out due to bullying and lack of accommodations. [5]
Superstitious beliefs that body parts of people with albinism can confer wealth, health or political power have fueled abductions, mutilations, grave desecrations, and murders. Between 2000 and 2015, at least 75 people were killed, including children; at least 35 people were killed in 2008 alone, though the true number in both instances is thought be higher. [6] [7] [8]
Investigations have revealed a transnational trade: bones and other parts fetch tens of thousands of dollars on black markets, and practitioners in neighbouring countries participate in the ritual use of these remains. [9] According to the Red Cross, witch doctors in Tanzania will pay up to $75,000 dollars for a full set of albino body parts. [7]
In late 2009, scores of Tanzanians with albinism went into hiding as attacks surged; many survivors remain under protection in safe houses run by charities. [10] Though community initiatives have helped to reduce the rate of violence, the problem still remains widespread in the country as of 2025. [8]
In March 2015, the Tanzanian government arrested over 200 witchdoctors linked to attacks on people with albinism, signaling a major crackdown on the perpetrators. [11] This came amid a larger effort by President Jakaya Kikwete to tackle the issue in response to widespread international condemnation following the extensive killings which occurred in 2008. [7] [8] In an admission to parliament in late spring of that year, Deputy Home Affairs Minister Pereira Silima acknowledged that reports linking politicians to killings of people with albinism could be true, given the uptick in attacks amid the election period. [7]
Salum Khalfani Bar’wani became the first elected albino lawmaker in November 2010, raising the profile of disability rights in Parliament. [12]
Karate classes launched in Dar es Salaam in 2021 provide self-defence skills and build confidence among adults with albinism. [2]
The Mr and Miss Albinism East Africa pageant, first held in December 2018, aims to demystify albinism and celebrate beauty and dignity among young adults with the condition. [13]